470 
.2 

K4 


OFFICIAL  REPORTS 


-OF— 


J.  WARREN  iKEIFER, 


BREVET  MAJOR  GENERAL  OF  VOLUNTEERS, 


TJ.    S.    .A.. 

WHILE  SERVING  IN  THE  ARMIES 


OF   THE 


POTOMAC  AND  SHEIAIDOAH 


COZLsTTIEICsrTS:  IP  J^  O  IE  S  : 

Battles  of  Winchester,  June,  1863, 5. 

General  movements  and  operations,  October,  1863, 9. 

Battle  of  Brandy  Station,  November,  1863, 13. 

Battle  of  Orange  Grove,  November,  1863,, 15. 

Battle  of  Wilderness  and  others,  1864, 19. 

Battles  of  Opequon  and  Fishers'  Hill,  September,  1864, 28. 

Battle  of  Cedar  Creek,  December,  1864, 33. 

Battle  of  Petersburg,  March,  1865, 40. 

Battle  of  Sailor's  Creek,  and  the 

Surrender  of  Gen.  Lee's  Army,  April,  1865, 14. 


SPRINGFIELD: 

DAILY     REPUBLIC     STEAM     JOB     ROOMS. 


1866. 


OFFICIAL  REPORTS 


OF 


J.  WARREN  KEIFER, 


U.  S. 


Detailing  movements  and  operations  of  his  command  in  the  battles  of  Winches 
ter  (1863);  Brandy  Station,  Orange  Grove,  Wilderness,  Spotsylvania, 
Cold.  Harbor,  Petersburg  (1864) :  Monocacy,  Opequon,  Fisher's 
Hill,  Cedar  Creek,  Petersburg  (1865),  and  Sailor's 
Creek,  also,  prior  to  and  at  the  surrender 
of  General  Lee's  Army. 


SPRINGFIELD,  OHIO : 

DAILY  REPUBLIC  STEAM  JOB  OFFICE. 


1866. 


TO  BREVET  BRIGADIER  GENERALS 

WM.  H.  BALL,  JOHN  W.  HORN,  M.  R.  MCCLENNAN. 

COLONEL 

B.  F.  SMITH, 

BREVET  COLONELS 
OTHO  H.  BINKLEY,  MOSES  M.  GRANGER,  JAMES  W.  SNYDER, 

LIEUTENANT  COLONELS 

W.  N.  FOSTEK,  T.  M.  MCKINNEY,  J.  C.  HILL, 

BREVET  LIEUTENANT  COLONELS 

AARON  SPANGLER,  S.  B.  LAMAREAUX,  ANSON  WOOD,  WM.  WOOD, 

BREVET  MAJORS 

LUTHER  BROWN.  G.  W.  BRINKERHOFF,  HENRY  J.  HHODES,  CHAUNCEY 
FISH  and  the  brave  officers  and  men,  who  served  under  them ; 

Also,  BREVET  MAJORS 

JONATHAN  T.  BORER,  WM.  L.  SHAW.  T.  J.  HOSKINSON,  J.  F.  HAZELTON, 

J.  P.  DUDROW, 
CAPTAINS 

THOMAS  BLACK,  HARRISON  D'YARMETT  and  the  other  members  of  my 

Stan';  and  also, 

TO  THE  MEMORY  OF 

Lieutenant  Colonel  AARON  W.  EBRIGHT, 
Brevet  Colonel  CLIFTON  K.  PRENTISS, 

Major  WM.  S.  MCELWAIN, 

Captains  WM.  A.  HATHAWAY,  THOMAS  J.  HYATT,  WM.  H.  BURNS,  ORSON 

HOWARD,   THOMAS   KILBURN,    WESLEY   DEVENNY,  WM.  R. 

MOORE,  JOSHUA  DETER,  HENRY  H.  STEVENS,  and 

the  many  other  brave  officers  and 

men,  their  comrades  in  battle, 

who  yielded  up  their 

lives  in  defense 

of  their 

country, 

These  reports  are  most  respectfully  and  affectionately  inscribed 

BY  THE  AUTHOR, 

Who  ever  appreciated  them  for  their  gallantry,  zeal  and  patriotism,  in 

camp,  on  the  toilsome  march  and  upon  the  field  of  mortal  combat.    So 

long  as  brave,  earnest  and  self-sacrificing  officers  and  men  of  the 

Union  Army,  are  held  in  grateful  remembrance  by  patriotic 

people  and  true  lovers  of  human  liberty,  it  is  believed 

that  the  name^of  these  officers  and  men  will 

be  honored  and  respected. 

M1&5174 


reface* 

The  official  reports  published  in  this  volume  detail  the  principal 
movements  and  operations  of  the  2nd  Brigade,  3rd  Division,  3rd  Army 
Corps,  in  the  year  1863,  and  of  the  same  Brigade  in  the  3rd  Division,  6th 
Army  Corps,  in  the  years  1864  and  1865,  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
including  those  of  the  3rd  Division,  6th  Army  Corps  at  the  memorable 
battle  of  Cedar  Creek,  Va.,  October,  1864,  under  Maj.  Genl.'s  Wright  and 
Sheridan,  and  also,  including  the  part  taken  by  the  110th  Ohio  Volunteer 
Infantry  at  Winchester,  June,  1863. 

They  are  printed  from  exact  copies  of  official  reports,  written,  as 
required  by  orders  from  Army,  Corps  and  Division  Head  Quarters. 

In  consequence  of  very  proper  orders  issued  by  the  War  Department, 
no  official  reports  were  allowed  to  be  published  during  the  War,  save  by 
permission  of  the  "  proper  authority." 

The  officers  and  soldiers  who  participated  in  the  movements  and 
battles  of  the  War  deserve  to  have  their  services  laid  before  the  public, 
by  the  publication  of  the  official  reports. 

These  reports  are  published  for  gratuitous  circulation  among  the 
officers  and  soldiers  of  the  command  to  which  they  refer,  with  the  hope 
that  they  may  be  appreciated  by  them. 

All  that  is  contained  in  this  volume,  aside  from  official  reports,  was 
written  with  a  view  to  show  the  movements  of  troops  in  the  intervals  of 
time  between  the  important  operations  recited  in  the  reports. 

•  Nominal  and  summary  lists  of  casualties  are  omitted  after  each  report, 
but  a  general  summary  by  Regiments,  of  casualties  in  the  several 
engagements,  is  appended. 

Springfield,  Ohio. 


Battles  of  Winchester,  June  1863. . 

HEADQUARTERS,  llOTii  OHIO  VOL.  INFANTRY.  ) 

IST  BRIG.,  2r>  DIVISION,  HTH  ARMY  CORPS, 

Harper's  Ferry,  Va.,  June  IGth,  1863.) 

CAI-TAIN — Dear  Mir:  In  compliance  with  an  order  from  Brig.  Gen. 
W.  L.  Elliott,  1  have  to  report  the  following  operations  of  my  command 
on  the  13tli,  14th  and  15th  days  of  June,  1863 : 

On  the  morning  of  the  13th  inst.  I  was  ordered  with  my  Regiment  to 
march  upon  the  Cedar  Creek  road.  Arriving  at  Union  Mills,  on  the 
Strasburg  road,  it  was  ascertained  that  the  enemy  were  in  force  upon 
that  road,  at  or  near  Kearnstown :  About  10  A.  M.,  under  the  direction  of 
General  Elliott,  I  marched  my  Regiment  to  the  right  of  the  Strasburg 
road  accompanied  by  one  Section  of  Carlin's  Battery,  commanded  by 
Lieutenant  Theaker.  The  Infantry  did  not  become  engaged  and  were 
withdrawn  about  1  P.  M.  to  the  mouth  of  the  Cedar  Creek  road. 

At  2  P.  M.  I  received  an  order  to  take  my  Regiment,  the  12th  Pennsyl 
vania  Volunteer  Cavalry,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Moss  and 
the  Section  of  Carlin's  Battery,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Theaker,  and 
make  a  reconnoisance. 

I  moved  at  once,  up  the  Strasburg  road,  forming  my  Infantry  upon 
the  right  and  center,  Artillery  in  center  and  Cavalry  upon  the  left.  The 
Infantry  on  the  right  was  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Foster,  and 
in  the  center  by  Major  Binkley.  After  proceeding  about  one  mile  the 
Infantry  and  Cavalry  skirmishers  became  closely  engaged  with  the 
enemy's  advance. 

The  enemy  were  driven  back  to  a  woods  upon  the  left.  I  immediately 
withdrew  the  Cavalry  skirmishers,  who  were  beginning  to  suffer  severe 
ly  from  the  enemy's  sharp  shooters,  placed  the  Artillery  in  position  and 
shelled  the  woods,  where  the  enemy  were  concealed  in  large  force.  Af 
ter  a  few  minutes  brisk  firing  the  enemy  fell  back  to  a  woods  upon  the 
left  of  Kearnstown.  I  advanced  with  the  entire  force  under  a  heavy 
Infantry  lire  to  within  one-fourth  of  a  mile  of  the  town,  and  opened 
upon  the  enemy  with  canister,  producing  a  telling  effect :  at  the  same 
time  the  Infantry  on  my  right  became  closely  engaged.  In  ten  minutes 
the  enemy  retreated  beyond  the  town,  having  suffered  severely. 

My  flankers  from  the  right  reported  the  enemy  turning  my  right 
flank,  with  at  least  one  Brigade  of  Infantry.  I  withdrew  the  command 
in  perfect  order,  keeping  my  skirmishers  well  to  the  front,  embracing 
every  opportunity  the  ground  afforded  to  halt,  and  with  Artillery,  to  pour 
a  heavy  fire  into  the  enemy's  ranks.  At  Union  Mills,  after  a  spirited 
engagement,  the  enemy  were  repulsed  with  heavy  loss.  General  Elliott, 
having  come  up  with  reinforcements,  I  brought  off  all  my  killed  and 
wounded.  Lieutenant  Theaker  deserves  great  praise  for  the  skill  exhibi 
ted  in  handling  his  guns,  while  under  my  command. 


6 

Except  some  skirmishing  with  the  enemy's  sharpshooters,  this  ended 
the  operations  of  my  command  on  the  13th.  Being  relieved  by  the  122d 
Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  I  withdrew  my  Regiment  to  its  camp  on  the 
heights  of  Winchester  about  10  1*.  M.  On  the  14th  inst.  I  was  ordered 
by  General  Elliott  to  occupy  the  earthwork  between  the  Pughtown  ami 
Romney  roads,  which  was  an  isolated  earthwork  of  slight  strength  about 
%  ol  a  mile  from  the  main  fort,  and  fully  commanded  by  Hound  Moun 
tain  on  the  west.  I  took  position  at  7.  A.  M.  The  works  were  also 
occupied  by  one  company  of  the  110th  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  com 
manded  by  Captain  Arekcnoe,  and  Company  "  L,v  5th  U.  S.  Artillery, 
commanded  by  Lieutenant  Randolph.  We  remained  unmolested  until 
about  5  P.  M.,  when  the  enemy  having  placed  at  least  sixteen  pieces  of 
heavy  Artillery  in  position,  on  Round  Mountain,  opened  a  heavy  can 
nonade  upon  us.  Battery  i%  L  "  replied  until  about  50  Artillery  horses 
were  killed  and  the  caissons  and  the  limber  carriages  were  blown  up. 
and  knocked  to  pieces.  Two  guns  only  could  be  kept  in  position  to 
await  the  approach  of  an  assaulting  party  of  the  enemy.  About  0  I*.  M. 
the  enemy  came  up  behind  a  ridge  to  our  front,  with  at  least  tive  Regi 
ments  in  deep  column  of  attack,  the  advance  Regiment  carrying  the 
United  States  colors.  The  enemy  was  able  to  come  up  under  cover,  to 
within  one  hundred  yards  of  the  works.  The  Infantry  and  Artillery 
opened  lire  upon  him  with  fearful  effect,  mowing  down  his  advance  Regi 
ment  almost  to  a  man.  My  sharpshooters  shot  down  the  officers  on 
horseback,  but  only  for  a  few  moments  could  we  check  the  enemy's  ad 
vancing  column,  and  with  terrible  loss  he  effected  an  entrance  into  the 
works  near  the  center  of  my  Regiment,  my  men  righting  him  until  lie 
outnumbered  us  inside  the  works.  The  trenches  and  breastworks  were 
of  such  a  character  as  to  afford  no  obstructions  to  the  entrance  of  the 
enemy.* 

1  withdrew  my  command  under  cover  of  the  guns  at  the  main  fort, 
with  a  loss  of  forty  killed,  wounded  and  captured  in  my  own  Regiment. 
The  whole  number  of  killed  and  wounded  was  very  small. 

The  guns  of  the  Battery  were  lost.  I  would  do  injustice  to  Lieutenant 
Randolph  and  his  officers  if  I  did  not  make  favorable  mention  of  their 
conduct.  Lieutenant  Randolph  had  three  horses  shot  under  him  while 
in  the  works. 

From  the  commanding  position  of  the  enemy's  guns  and  their  superi 
ority  in  number  and  weight,  it  was  impossible  to  effectively  reply  to 
them. 

The  enemy's  loss  in  their  attack  did  not  fall  short  of  four  hundred  men 
in  killed  and  wounded.  It  may  have  exceeded  that  number  largely. 
Lieutenant  Paris  Horney,  of  the  110th  Ohio  Regiment,  was  captured  or 
killed,  while  fighting  the  enemy  at  the  works.  Captain  Arckenoe,  110th 
Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  was  killed  while  nobly  urging  on  his  men,  his 
face  to  the  foe. 


-The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  official  report  |of  Major  General  R.  II. 
Milroy :  "  The  enemy  opened  upon  me  with  at  least  four  full  Batteries,  some  of 
his  guns  being  of  the  longest  range,  under  cover  of  which  fire,  he  precipitated  a 
column  at  least  ten  thousand  strong  upon  the  out  work  held  by  Colonel  Keifer, 
which,  after  a  stubborn  resistance  he  carried." 


My  regiment  remained  under  a  heavy  Artillery  tire  in  the  outer  works 
of  the  main  fort  until  dark,  with  little  or  no  loss. 

At  2  A.  M.  on  the  15th  inst.,  after  abandoning  all  the  sick,  wounded  and 
baggage,  under  orders  from  the  commanding  General,  the  Regiment  was 
marched  out  from  the  main  works,  numbering  nineteen  oilicers  and  less 
than  lour  hundred  men,  with  the  understanding  that  the  entire  com 
mand  was  to  cut  through  the  enemy's  lines  to  Harper's  Ferry.  Company 
"  IV  of  my  Regiment,  commanded  by  Captain  McElwain,  was  detached 
from  the  Regiment  on  Saturday  night;  also  Lieutenants  Weakley  and 
Gross,  with  sixty  men  of  the  Regiment,  were  sent  on  picket  on  the 
morning  of  the  13th.  I  have  learned  nothing  definite  of  their  fate  since^ 
but  have  strong  hopes  that  most  if  not  all  escaped  on  the  15th  inst. 

Lieutenants  Cron  and  Miller  were  left  sick.  Lieutenant  Cron  fought 
bravely  with  his  men  on  the  13th  and  14th.  Assistant  Surgeon  R.  R. 
McCandliss  and  Chaplain  James  Harvey,  of  my  Regiment,  were  ordered 
by  me  to  remain  with  the  sick  and  wounded. 

After  marching  about  four  miles  from  Winchester,  on  the  Martinsburg 
road,  firing  commenced  upon  our  front  and  right.  My  Regiment  formed 
in  line  of  battle  under  orders  from  General  Elliott.  Skirmishers  were 
thrown  forward,  and  the  line  advanced  for  a  short  distance  to  the  north 
ward.  My  Regiment  was  on  the  left  of  the  123d  Ohio  Regiment,  and  on 
the  extreme  left. 

By  direction  of  General  Elliott  I  moved  my  command  by  the  left  flank 
to  the  northward  on  a  line  parallel  with  the  Martinsburg  road  until  my 
left  was  about  five  miles  from  Winchester.  The  enemy  opened  fire  upon 
the  123d  Ohio  with  Artillery  and  Infantry,  from  a  woods  immediately 
on  the  east  side  of  the  Martinsburg  road.  I  formed  my  line  facing  the 
east,  where  the  enemy  was  discovered  in  my  front,  in  the  woods  and 
behind  stone  walls.  (Prisoners,  afterward  captured,  claimed  to  belong 
to  the  notorious  Stonewall  Brigade,  now  commanded  by  General 
Walker.) 

With  the  consent  of  General  Elliott  I  charged  the  enemy  with  my 
Regiment :  outflanking  him  upon  his  right,  driving  him  through  the 
woods  upon  his  Artillery,  occupying  the  woods  on  the  east  of  the  road, 
opening  a  destructive  fire  into  his  ranks,  throwing  him  into  confusion 
and  killing  and  wounding  large  numbers.  We  also  silenced  the  enemy's 
guns  (twelve  pounders)  immediately  incur  front,  capturing  one  of  his 
caissons.  Tn  a  few  minutes  the  woods  were  cleared.  NV)t  being  sup 
ported  upon  my  right  the  enemy  soon  appeared  in  large  numbers  in  that 
direction,  with  two  heavy  pieces  of  Artillery.  I  withdrew  my  Regi 
ment  a  short  distance,  changed  direction  to  the  right  and  again  advanced 
on  the  enemy. 

The  122d  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  (Colonel  Ball)  came  up  to  my  sup 
port  on  the  right  and  in  twenty  minutes  we  once  more  cleared  the  woods 
in  our  front,  shooting  down  gunners  and  horses  of  the  enemy's  Artillery 
and  bringing  off  some  of  his  horses;  we  were  only  deterred  from  taking 
possession  of  the  guns,  by  a  large  body  of  the  enemy  again  appearing  on 
our  right. 


8 

Without  waiting  the  enemy's  lire  I  ordered  both  Regiments  to  with 
draw,  which  was  effected  in  good  order  to  the  west  of  the  Martinsburg 
road.  The  enemy  re-occupied  the  woods  in  superior  force.  Again  I 
ordered  a  charge  into  the  woods  which  was  nobly  responded  to  by  both 
officers  and  men.  After  a  severe  conflict,  in  which  the  two  lines  were 
engaged  as  near  in  places  as  20  feet,  pouring  a  murderous  lire  into  each 
other's  breasts,  the  enemy  gave  way  and  our  line  advanced  upon  the  ene 
my's  Artillery,  shooting  or  driving  his  gunners  away  from  their  pieces 
and  completely  silencing  them.  My  whole  line  was  then,  by  my  order, 
withdrawn  from  the  woods,  and  under  the  direction  of  the  General  com 
manding,  marched  to  Harper's  Ferry,  arriving  at  that  place  at  2  P.  M., 
having  marched  a  distance  of  35  miles  and  fighting  two  hours  on  the  way. 

I  brought  with  me  eighteen  officers  and  three  hundred  and  live  men. 
Captain  E.  A.  Shephard  fell  from  weakness  and  exhaustion,  possibly 
wounded  while  cheering  on  his  men,  and  was  carried  from  the  field,  but 
was  afterwards  captured.  Judging  from  the  dead  and  wounded  of  the 
enemy  I  saw  upon  the  field,  from  the  relative  positions  occupied,  and  the 
steady,  close  fire  of  my  men.  I  estimate  the  enemy's  loss  at  more  than 
three  hundred  men  immediately  in  my  front,  on  the  morning  of  the  15th 
instant. 

My  own  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was  about  seventy,  few  of  the 
number  killed,  many  slightly  wounded. 

During  the  series  of  engagements  of  the  three  days,  my  ofiicers  and 
men  performed  valiant  service.  It  is  no  less  a  pleasure  than  a  duty  to 
commend  them  all  for  skill,  coolness  and  bravery.  I  think  proper  to 
make  special  mention  of  the  fact,  that  each  officer  remained  with  his 
own  command,  doing  his  duty  and  urging  on  his  men  by  his  example. 
To.this  fact  I  attribute  my  success  in  keeping  my  men  together.  I  can 
not  close  this  report  without  making  special  mention  of  Lieutenant-Col- 
nel  W.  N.  Foster  and  Major  O.  H.  Binkley.  They  were  not  only  fearless 
of  danger,  but  showed  superior  skill  in  each  separate  engagement.  They 
were  always  present  where  danger  was  greatest,  or  where  their  duty 
called  them.  Adjutant  J.  B.  Van  Eaton  was  present  always  in  the 
thickest  of  the  fight,  gallantly  discharging  his  duty.  It  would  be  but, 
simple  justice  to  say  the  same  of  Captains  Smith,  Moore,  Spangler, 
Ullery,  Snodgrass,  and  Brown ;  Lieutenants  Hathaway,  Rush,  Cannon, 
Shellabarger,  McKnight,  Moore,  and  Boyer ;  also,  Sergeant  Traub.  The 
latter  commanded  a  detachment  of  Company  "  K  "  through  each  en 
gagement.  Captain  Snodgrass  received  two  wounds,  but  did  not  leave 
the  field. 

Running  further  risk  of  being  censured  for  making  special  mention 
of  men,  where  all  behaved  so  nobly,  I  cannot  refrain  from  calling  atten 
tion  to  my  sharpshooters,  armed  with  the  Henry  ritle.  In  each  engage 
ment,  they  poured  an  almost  continual  stream  of  fire  into  the  enemy's 
ranks,  causing  a  great  loss  of  life.  They  also,  under  my  own  observation, 
shot  down  a  number  of  the  enemy's  officers. 

The  total  number  of  my  killed,  wounded,  missing  in  action,  and  left 
in  camp  and  hospital,  was  three  hundred  and  fifteen,  including  two  com 
missioned  staff'  officers  and  four  line  ofiicers. 


9 

This  estimate  does  not  include  Company  "  D  "  and  its  officers,  Lieuten 
ants  Weakly  and  Gross,  Assistant  Surgeon  Owen  and  Q.  M.  Stark,  sup 
posed  to  have  escaped  on  the  15th  inst.  Captain  McElwain  and  his  com 
pany  distinguished  themselves  by  the  splendid  manner  in  which  they 
engaged  the  enemy's  sharpshooters  and  drove  them  from  the  woods,  on 
the  evening  of  the  13th.  Lieutenants  WeaJ.-ly,  Gross  and  Trimble  fought 
bravely  with  their  men  on  the  13th  and  14th.  The  vastly  superior  force 
of  the  enemy,  and  the  many  other  discouraging  circumstances  under 
which  he  was  engaged,  the  splendid  manner  in  which  my  command 
confronted  him,  and  the  energy  and  skill  exhibited  in  getting  the  greater 
portion  of  the  effective  strength  through  his  strong  lines,  furnish  high 
proof  of  the  soldierly  character  and  efficiency  of  the  troops. 

Hoping  you  will  pardon  the  length  of  this  necessarily  unsatisfactory 
and  incomplete  report,  I  remain  very  truly,  Captain,  your  most  obedient 
and  humble  servant, 

J.  WARREN  KEIFEK, 
Colonel  110th  Ohio  Vol.  Inf.,  Comd'g. 

J.  ELLIOTT  JACOBS, 

Captain  and  A.  A.  G.,  1st  Brig.  2d  Div.  8th  A.  C. 


CAMP  AT  BRANDY  STATION,  December  22d,  1863. 

I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  supplemental  report  of  the 
operations  of  the  110th  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  oiithe  13th,  14th  and  15th 
days  of  June,  1863 : 

The  official  report,  to  which  this  is  a  supplement,  dated  June  16th,  1863, 
was  written  from  the  best  data  that  could  then  be  procured.  The  move 
ments  of  the  regiment  are  accurately  stated  in  the  original  report. 

The  losses  in  killed  and  wounded  have  since  been  ascertained  to  be 
light  in  a  remarkable  degree,  compared  with  the  losses  of  the  enemy. — 
Information  of  a  reliable  character  received  from  citizens  of  Winchester 
Va.,  also  from  published  accounts  of  the  enemy,  and  from  admissions 
made  by  officers  and  soldiers  captured  from  him,  who  were  engaged  in 
the  contests  of  the  three  days  at  and  near  Winchester,  make  it  safe  to 
estimate  his  loss  in  the  assault  upon  our  works,  on  the  evening  of  the 
14th  of  June,  1863,  at  one  hundred  killed  and  four  hundred  wounded. — 
Some  reports  fix  the  loss  at  over  two  hundred  killed,  besides  a  large 
number  wounded.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  the  attack  made  by  the 
regiment,  on  the  morning  of  the  loth  of  June,  1863,  exceeded  two  hund 
red  killed  and  a  proportionate  number  wounded. 

The  total  loss  of  the  110th  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry,  in  the  operations 
of  the  three  days,  not  including  the  captured,  was  four  (4)  enlisted  men 
killed,  and  one  officer  and  fifty  enlisted  men  wounded. 

The  great  disparity  in  losses  is  owring  to  the  fact  that,  on  the  14th,  the 
regiment  was  protected  by  earthworks,  while  the  enemy  exposed  himself 
to  a  heavy  fire  of  Infantry  and  artillery  while  charging  in  column. — 
Also,  on  the  morning  of  the  15th.  the  enemy  war-;  attacked,  surprised  and 
for  a  considerable  time,  by  the  rapid  firing  of  the  men,  kept  in  disorder. 
It  is  also  partly  attributable  to  the  further  fact.  that,  when  the  enemy 


10 

succeeded  in  forming  to  repel  the  attack,  my  troops  were  each  time 
withdrawn  before  receiving  his  lire,  and  a  new  direction  taken,  which 
enabled  me  to  attack  the  enemy  upon  his  flank  and  rear,  thereby  com 
pelling  him  to  fall  back,  suffering  each  time  heavy  loss. 

The  artillery,  attempted  to  be  used  by  the  enemy  on  the  15th,  was  not 
effective,  and  was  soon  silenced  by  the  well-directed  infantry  tire  poured 
upon  it. 

It  is  worthy  of  note  that  the  proportion  of  killed  to  the  wounded  in 
the  regiment,  was  little  more  than  seven  per  cent. 

Lieutenant  Cron,  reported  captured,  escaped  with  Captain  McEl  wain's 
company  into  Pennsylvania.  Lieutenant  Weakley  was  left  with  sixty 
men  upon  picket,  in  consequence  of  his  whereabouts  not  being  known 
to  me,  and  a  false  report  that  he  was  with  the  wagon  train. 

The  Lieutenant,  with  most  of  the  men.  were  left  at  their  posts  on 
picket,  and  alone  engaged  the  enemy  at  Winchester  on  the  morn  ing  of 
the  15th.  They,  after  a  most  gallant  resistance,  surrendered. 

The  total  number  captured  was  five  officers,  and  two  hundred  and 
forty-three  enlisted  men,  including  the  sick  and  thirty-eight  of  the 
wounded.  A  part  of  the  sick  and  wounded  were  recaptured  in  July 
following. 

One  officer  and  twelve  enlisted  men,  slightly  wounded,  escaped  with 
the  regiment. 

Assistant-Surgeon  Thomas  C.  Owen  was  captured  on  the  field,  June 
loth,  but  escaped  from  the  enemy  at  Martinsburg  in  July  following. 

A  list  of  the  captured  officers,  and  the  killed  and  wounded  officers  and 
enlisted  men,  is  hereto  appended. 

I  am  very  respectfully  your  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

J.  WARREN  KEIFER, 

Colonel  Commanding. 


The  110th  and  122d  Ohio,  Cth  Maryland,  and  138th  Pennsylvania  In 
fantry  Regiments,  were  organized  into  the  2d  Brigade,  2d  Division,  8th 
A.  C.,  on  the  16th  day  of  June,  1863,  at  Harper's  Ferry,  Va.,  which,  as  a 
brigade  organization,  was  not  broken  up  until  after  the  close  of  the  war. 

The  brigade  participated  in  the  evacuation  of  Maryland  Heights,  and, 
With  other  troops,  guarded  the  heavy  guns,  ammunition,  and  other  gov 
ernment  property,  on  canal  boats  to  Washington  City,  arriving  at  that 
place  July  4th. 

On  the  6th  of  July,  it  shipped  by  rail  to  Fredericksburg,  Md.,  and  on 
the  9th  of  July  arrived,  joined  and  became  the  2d  Brigade,  3d  Division, 
3d  Army  Corps,  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  immediately  engaged  in  the 
pursuit  of  the  rebel  army  of  Northern  Virginia,  which  was  then  retreat 
ing  from  the  fatal  field  of  Gettysburg. 

On  the  night  of  July  13th,  the  enemy  escaped  across  the  Potomac 
River  at  Williamsport  and  Falling  Waters,  and  was  rapidly  pursued  by 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac  into  Virginia,  by  the  way  of  Harper's  Ferry. 

The  enemy  retreated  up  the  valley  to  Front  Royal.  The  Army  of  the 
Potomac  continued  the  pursuit,  keeping  along  the  east  side  of  the  Blue 


11 

Ridge,  passing  through  Upperville  and  Piedmont  to  Manassas  Gap, 
where,  on  the  23d  of  July,  a  very  brisk  .skirmish  took  place,  in  which  the 
brigade  came  under  fire. 

On  the  26th,  the  army  arrived  at  Warrenton,  the  rebel  army  having 
taken  up  a  position  behind  the  Rapidan,  covering  Raccoon  and  other 
fords.  About  the  6th  of  August,  the  brigade  went  into  camp  near  Foxes' 
Ford,  on  the  Rappahannock  River. 

On  the  15th,  the  two  Ohio  regiments  started  to  .New  York  City  to  aid 
in  enforcing  the  draft,  at  which  place  they  arrived  on  the  21st,  going  by 
rail  and  steamship.  While  at  New  York,  the  110th  Ohio  was  in  camp  on 
Governor's  Island  and  in  Carroll  Park,  Brooklyn. 

On  the  6th  of  September,  the  Ohio  troops  reshipped  for  Alexandria, 
from  thence  marched,  and  on  the  14th  rejoined  the  brigade  at  the  place 
they  had  left  it. 

On  the  15th,  the  army  moved  across  the  Rappahannock  to  Culpepper 
Court  House.  The  brigade  went  into  camp  two  miles  from  Culpepper, 
on  the  Sperryville  Road,  where  it  remained  until  October  10th,  1863. 


HEADQUARTERS  2D  BRIGADE,  3D  DIVISION,  3D  A.  C.) 

CAMP  NEAR  BEALTON  STATION,  VA.,       > 

November  3, 1863.    ) 

LIEUT. — Sir :  In  compliance  with  circular  from  Division  Headquar 
ters,  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  following  movements  and  operations 
of  my  command,  (composed  of  the  110th  and  122d  Ohio,  6th  Md.,  and 
138th  Penn.  Volunteer  Infantry  Regiments,)  from  the  commencement  of 
the  march  from  Culpepper  C.  H.  to  the  present  time : 

On  the  10th  of  October,  1863,  my  camp,  (located  two  miles  from  Cul 
pepper  C.  H.,  on  the  Sperryville  Road,)  was  broken  up  in  pursuance  of 
an  order  from  Brigadier-General  Carr,  commanding  3d.  Div.  3d  A.  C.,  and 
the  troops  in  my  command  took  up  a  position  a  short  distance  to  the 
front  of  my  camp,  to  meet  an  attack  of  the  enemy,  should  one  be  made. 
On  the  morning  of  the  llth  we  left  our  position  and  marched  to  the  rear, 
and  crossed  the  Rappahannock  River  about  11  P.  M.,  at  Freeman's  Ford. 
On  the  evening  of  the  12th,  the  138th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry 
was  detailed  as  train  guard  to  the  corps  ammunition  and  ambulance 
trains,  and  did  not  rejoin  the  brigade  until  the  22d. 

On  the  13th  my  brigade  was  ordered  to  take  the  advance  of  the  corps, 
and  march  upon  the  road  leading  to  "  Three  Mile  Station,"  on  the  War 
renton  Branch  Railroad.  Captain  Winslow's  Battery,  1st  New  York  Ar 
tillery,  reported  to  me,  and  was  with  my  brigade  on  its  march  to  "  Three 
Mile  Station."  Flankers  were  thrown  out,  as  well  as  an  advance  guard 
kept  well  to  the  front.  My  brigade  arrived  at  "  Three  Mile  Station  " 
without  incident,  about  12  P.  M.  (During  a  temporary  halt  at  this  place 
the  Ohio  troops  voted.)  About  3  P.  M.  the  brigade  moved  in  the  ad 
vance  of  the  division  for  Greenwich,  arriving  at  that  place  about  9  P.M. 
The  head  of  the  column  of  the  1st  Division  was  engaged  near  Auburn. 
My  brigade  was  ordered  forward  to  take  part,  but  arrived  after  the  ene 
my  was  retreating.  During  this  day's  march  my  brigade  was  under  the 
immediate  direction  of,  and  was  accompanied  by,  Brigadier-General  Carr. 


12 

On  the  14th  inst.,  I  was,  with  my  brigade,  ordered  to  form  the  rear 
guard  of  the  3d  Corps.  Captain  McKnight's  12th  New  York  Battery  re 
ported  to  me  to  accompany  the  rear  guard.  I  received  verbal  instruc 
tions  from  Brigadier-General  Carr  to  cover  the  rear  with  a  good  rear 
guard,  avoid  bringing  on  a  general  engagement,  and  as  far  as  possible 
baffle  the  enemy  in  his  endeavors  to  delay  the  main  column.  The  corps 
arrived  at  Bristoe  Station  about  12  M.  The  enemy,  with  a  small  force  of 
cavalry  and  a  large  body  of  infantry,  followed  closely,  but  did  not  attack. 
He  succeeded  in  capturing  few  if  any  stragglers  from  the  3d  Corps. 

After  a  short  halt  at  Bristoe  Station,  the  3d  Corps  moved  by  the  way 
of  Manassas  Heights  toward  Centerville.  At  Manassas  Heights  I  received 
an  order  from  a  staff  officer  of  the  General  Commanding,  to  take  position 
and  hold  the  Heights  of  Manassas  until  the  arrival  of  the  5th  A.  C. — 
Brigadier-General  W.  H.  Morris,  commanding  1st  Brigade,  also  took  po 
sition  upon  the  heights  at  Manassas.  Upon  the  arrival  of  the  5th  A.  C., 
I  marched  my  brigade  across  Bull  Run  at  Blackman's  Ford.  Under  the 
direction  of  the  Brigadier-General  Commanding  Division,  I  took  up  a 
position  with  my  command  for  the  night,  covering,  with  the  other  troops 
of  the  3d  Division,  Mitchell's  Ford. 

On  the  14th  the  troops  marched  to  Union  Mills,  via  Centerville.  The 
troops  remained  at  Union  Mills  until  October  19th,  when  they  marched 
to  near  Bristoe  Station. 

On  the  20th,  marched  again  to  near  Greenwich.  On  the  21st  day  of 
October,  marched  to  Catlett's  Station.  My  brigade  remained  at  the  lat 
ter-named  place  until  the  23d,  when,  in  compliance  with  an  order  ema 
nating  from  Corps  Headquarters,  marched  to  Bristoe  Station  and  re 
lieved  Brigadier-General  Merritt's  cavalry  command,  stationed  at  that 
place.  My  brigade  was  relieved  at  Bristoe  Station  by  the  1st  A.  C.,  Oct. 
24th,  and  in  accordance  with  orders  from  Division  Headquarters,  rejoined 
the  division  at  Catlett's  Station,  October  25th,  'G3.  The  brigade  changed 
position,  under  the  direction  of  the  division  commander,  about  9  P.  M. 
to  cover  the  ford  over  Cedar  Run,  near  Weaversville.  On  the  2Gth,  about 
9  P.  M.,  the  brigade  again  changed  position,  and  formed  line  of  battle 
with  the  left  resting  on  the  railroad,  about  1><  miles  north  of  Catlett's 
Station. 

At  3  P.  M.  October  28th,  I  received  orders  from  Division  Headquarters 
to  proceed  with  my  brigade  to  near  Bealton  Station,  and  relieve  the  3d 
Brigade,  3d  Division,  (Colonel  Smith's.)  I  marched  the  same  evening,  re 
lieved  Colonel  Smith's  Brigade,  and  encamped  on  the  right  of  the  rail 
road,  about  two  miles  from  Bealton  Station,  which  position  the  brigade 
still  occupies. 

During  the  time  included  in  this  report,  nothing  of  any  special  import 
ance  occurred  in  the  operations  of  my  brigade.  My  orders  were,  with 
one  exception,  received  from,  or  through,  the  Division  Commander ;  in 
many  instances  on  the  march,  from  the  Division  Commander  in  person. 

Considering  the  amount  of  rations  (eight  days')  constantly  required  to 
be  kept  on  the  person  of  the  soldier,  and  the  loss  of  sleep  occasioned  by 
night  marching,  the  troops  in  my  command  endured  the  march  very 


13 

well.  Eight  men  are  yet  absent  and  unaccounted  for,  who  straggled 
upon  the  march.  From  the  best  information,  it  is  thought  that  they  were 
not  captured,  but  wilfully  separated  themselves  from  the  command,  and 
escaped  to  the  rear.  The  officers  were,  with  few  exceptions,  prompt  in 
the  discharge  of  their  duties ;  and  especially  was  this  the  case  upon  the 
part  of  regimental  commanders. 

All  were  separated,  during1  the  march  to  the  rear,  from  their  baggage, 
and  suffered  uncomplainingly  the  many  consequent  inconveniences  and 
privations. 

Lieutenants  Hathaway,  Yarger  and  Black,  members  of  my  staff,  ren 
dered  all  possible  assistance  on  the  march  in  keeping  the  command  to 
gether,  keeping  up  stragglers  from  other  commands,  as  well  as  my  own, 
and  in  carrying  out  orders  generally. 

I  am,  Lieutenant,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  and  humble  ser 
vant, 

J.  WARREN  KEIFER, 

Colonel  Commanding. 

J.  JOHNSON,  1st  Lieut,  and  A.  A.  A.  G.,  3d  Div.,  3d  A.  C. 


Battle  of  Brandy  Station, 

HEADQUARTERS  2o  BRIGADE,  3D  DIVISION,  3D  A.  C«) 
CAMP  AT  BRANDY  STATION,  VA., 

November  10th,  1863.    ) 

LIEUTENANT — 8ir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  in  compliance  with 
Circular  Order  of  this  date  from  Headquarters  3d  Division,  3d  A.  C.,  the 
following  movements  and  operations  of  my  command  since  leaving  our 
camp,  four  miles  south  of  Warrenton  Junction,  Va.  My  brigade  is  com 
posed  of  the  6th  Md.,  138th  Penn.,  122d  and  110th  Ohio  Infantry  Regi 
ments,  commanded  respective^  by  Colonels  John  W.  Horn,  M.  R' 
McClennan,  Win.  II.  Ball,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  W.  N".  Foster. 

On  the  night  of  the  6th  inst.,  at  11)^  o'clock,  I  received  a  written  order 
from  Division  Headquarters  to  report  with  my  brigade  at  Division 
Headquarters  at  daylight  on  the  7th  inst.,  in  readiness  to  march,  the  men 
to  have  eight  days'  rations  on  their  persons.  I  reportecHn  accordance 
with  the  order. 

At  8  A.  M.,  my  brigade  moved  in  the  rear  of  the  1st  Brigade  of  the  3d 
Division,  toward  Kelly's  Ford,  over  the  Rappahannock  River,  arriving 
at  that  place  at  about  1  P.  M.  The  brigade  was  massed  near  a  brick 
church,  about  %  of  a  mile  from  Kelly's  Ford,  as  directed  by  a  verbal  order 
from  Division  Headquarters.  About  2>£  P.  M.,  we  changed  position  to 
the  heights  to  the  left  of  the  Ford,  as  directed  by  a  similar  order  from 
Division  Headquarters.  I  received  orders  from  Division  Headquarters 
to  cross  the  Rappahannock  about  5  P.  M.  After  some  temporary  delay 
at  the  pontoon  bridge,  I  crossed  the  river,  and  bivouaced  the  troops  in 
line  of  battle,  by  battalions  in  mass,  in  the  rear  of  the  3d  Brigade,  facing 
in  a  southerly  direction.  The  brigade  was  put  in  position  under  the 
direction  of  General  Carr,  Commanding  3d  Division.  Two  hundred  men 


14 

were  detailed  by  me  from  the  6th  Maryland  Infantry,  under  the  com 
mand  of  Major  J.  C.  Hill,  of  the  same  regiment,  for  picket  duty,  as  di 
rected  by  verbal  orders  from  Division  Headquarters.  I  personally 
assisted  in  posting  the  pickets  in  front  of  the  3d  Division,  3d  Corps, 
causing  them  to  connect  with  pickets  of  the  1st  and  2d  Divisions  of  the 
3d  Corps  on  the  right  and  left. 

A  circular  order  was  received  from  Division  Headquarters  to  have  the 
men  under  arms  at  daylight,  and  in  readiness  to  march. 

At  4  A.  M.,  November  8th,  a  verbal  order  was  received  to  detail  two 
regiments  immediately  to  make  a  reconnoissance  to  the  front.  Accord 
ingly  the  122d  and  110th  Ohio  Infantry  were  detailed,  and  under  the 
command  of  Colonel  Wm.  H.  Ball,  122d  Ohio  Infantry,  proceeded  to  make 
the  reconnoissance,  taking  with  them  one  company  of  the  6th  Maryland 
Infantry  that  had  been  on  picket.  The  reconnoissance  advanced  about 
1^2  miles,  discovering  the  enemy  in  no  force.  At  the  late  camp  of  the 
enemy,  three  officers  and  thirty-live  enlisted  men  were  captured.  My 
brigade  was  then  ordered  to  take  the  advance  of  the  division  and  corps, 
which  was  the  advance  of  the  army.  The  march  was  resumed  in  the 
direction  of  Brandy  Station,  Va.,  6th  Maryland  Infantry  in  the  advance 
of  the  brigade. 

About  2>£  miles  trom  Brandy  Station,  and  on  the  line  of  the  Orange  & 
Alexandria  Railroad,  the  advance  encountered  the  rebels  in  considerable 
force,  principally  cavalry  with  horse  artillery.  After  a  short  halt,  my 
command  was  disposed  in  order  of  battle  to  advance  and  drive  the  enemy 
from  a  hill  which  he  occupied  in  some  force,  with  artillery  in  position. 
The  brigade  was  formed  with  the  6th  Maryland  Infantry  upon  the  right, 
110th  Ohio  Infantry  upon  the  right  of  the  railroad  and  in  the  center,  the 
138th  Pennsylvania  Infantry  upon  the  left,  supported  by  the  122(1  Ohio 
Infantry.  Upon  the  right  of  the  railroad,  in  front  of  the  110th  Ohio  and 
6th  Maryland  Infantry  Regiments,  skirmishers  were  advanced  from  each 
regiment. 

The  138th  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry  was  ordered  to  deploy  to 
the  left  of  the  railroad  as  soon  as  an  advance  was  ordered.  The  122d  Ohio 
was  ordered  to  closely  support  the  138th  Pennsylvania. 

An  order  was  received  from  Division  Headquarters  to  advance  two 
companies  as  skirmishers,  one  upon  each  side  of  the  railroad.  One  com 
pany  from  the  110th  Ohio,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Fox,  and  one 
company  from  the  138th  Pennsylvania,  commanded  by  Captain  Fisher, 
were  advanced.  An  order  was  received  from  Division  Headquarters  to 
move  forward  two  regiments  of  my  brigade.  Accordingly,  the  110th 
Ohio  and  138th  Pennsylvania  V.  I.,  were  ordered  forward.  The  138th 
Pennsylvania  soon  came  under  the  enemy's  artillery  fire.  The  skir 
mishers  were  rapidly  pushed  forward,  supported  by  the  two  regiments 
named,  and  the  hill  was  soon  carried.  Captain  Lazarus  C.  Andress,  138th 
Pennsylvania  Volunteer  Infantry,  fell  mortally  wounded.  Orderly  Ser 
geant  A.  G.  Rapp,  Co.  "  H,"  138th  P.  V.  I.,  lost  his  left  arm,  and  was 
otherwise  slightly  wounded.  Five  other  members  of  this  regiment  re 
ceived  slight  but  not  dangerous  wounds. 


15 

As  soon  as  the  hill  was  gained,  I  ordered  the  skirmishers  and  the  two 
regiments  that  were  in  the  advance,  to  pursue  the  enemy. 

The  pursuit  was  continued,  with  constant  skirmishing,  until  the  enemy 
was  driven  past  Brandy  Station,  at  which  place  the  troops  were  ordered 
to  halt  by  an  order  from  Brigadier-General  Carr.  The  enemy  placed 
artillery  in  position  and  shelled  my  brigade,  wounding  two  men  slightly 
in  the  122d  Ohio  Infantry.  The  brigade  bivouaced  near  Brandy  Station 
until  this  morning,  when  orders  were  received  for  it  to  go  into  camp  at 
the  Station,  in  which  position  it  still  remains. 

Officers  and  men  were  prompt  in  obeying  orders.  The  manner  in 
which  they  performed  the  services  required  of  them,  fully  wrrrants  me 
in  saying  that  when  more  important  and  dangerous  duties  are  assigned 
to  them,  they  will  willingly  and  cheerfully  discharge  them.  Special 
commendation  is  due  Colonel  McClennan  and  his  regiment  for  their 
splendid  conduct  on  the  8th  inst.  The  regiment  was  on  that  day  for  the 
first  time  under  fire.  Captain  Andress,  who  fell  mortally  wounded,  was 
a  brave  and  accomplished  soldier.  His  loss  is  deeply  regretted  by  all 
who  knew  him. 

Surgeon  C.  P.  Harrington,  Chief  Surgeon  of  the  Brigade,  also  Lieuts. 
Hathaway,  Black  and  Yarger,  members  of  my  staft',  each  cheerfully  per 
formed  his  duty,  and  all  proved  themselves  competent  and  skillful  officers. 

1  beg  most  respectfully  to  represent  that  the  eight  days'  rations  re 
quired  to  be  carried  upon  the  persons  of  the  soldiers,  prevented  rapid 
movements  essential  to  the  accomplishment  of  important  ends  in  engag 
ing  or  pursuing  the  enemy. 

I  am,  Lieutenant,  very  respect'ly,  your  obd't  and  humble  servant, 

J.  WARREN  KEIFER. 

Colonel  Commanding. 

Lieut.  JAS.  JOHNSON, 

A.  A.  A.  G.,  3d  Div.  3d  Corps,  A.  O.  P. 


Battle  of  Orange  Grove, 

HEADQUARTERS  2D  BRIGADE,  3D  DIVISION,  3o  A.  C.) 
CAMP  AT  BRANDY  STATION,  VA., 

December  3d,  18G3.    ) 

LIEUTENANT — Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  movements  and 
operations  of  my  command  from  November  26th,  1863,  to  this  date,  as 
-  required  by  circular  order  of  this  date  from  Division  Headquarters. 

The  command  marched  from  Brandy  Station  at  8  A.  M.  November  26th, 
and  arrived  at  Jacob's  Ford,  on  the  Rapidan  River,  at  2  P.  M. 

Before  starting  from  Brandy  Station,  two  hundred  men  were  detailed 
from  the  110th  Ohio  Infantry,  under  command  of  Major  O.H.  Binkley, 
as  corps  train  guard. 

About  4  P.  M.,  the  troops  crossed  the  Ford  and  marched  about  three 
miles  on  a  road  leading  to  the  turnpike  road  from  Orange  Court  House 
to  Fredericksburg.  The  troops  were  then  countermarched  to  within  1>£ 
miles  of  the  Ford,  where  they  bivouaced  for  the  night.  My  brigade 


16 

marched  in  the  rear  of  the  3d  Brigade,  which  was  the  advance  of  the 
Division  on  that  day. 

The  march  was  resumed  at  7  A.  M.,  November  27th,  and  toward  the 
turnpike  road  above  named.  On  this  day,  the  1st  Brigade  was  in  the  ad 
vance  of  the  Division,  and  the  2d  Brigade  marched  in  its  rear. 

Brisk  firing  commenced  in  the  advance  about  12  M.,  between 
the  enemy  and  the  2d  Division  of  the  3d  Corps.  After  some  delay,  my 
brigade  was  ordered  by  Brigadier-General  Carr  into  the  woods,  with 
directions  to  form  upon  the  left  of  the  1st  Brigade,  commanded  by  Brig 
adier-General  Morris.  On  account  of  the  density  of  the  undergrowth 
in  the  woods,  and  the  absence  of  roads,,  it  was  with  some  difficulty  that 
I  succeeded  in  reaching  the  position  designated.  Upon  arriving  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  enemy's  fire,  I  discovered  they  occupied  a  hill  to  my 
front,  upon  the  slope  of  which  were  posted  the  troops  of  General  Morris's 
brigade.  I  determined  at  once  to  carry  the  hill  and  occupy  it,  deeming 
it  the  only  defensible  position  that  could  then  be  taken.  As  I  was  march 
ing  my  troops  by  the  left  flank,  and  along  the  hollow  behind  the  hill,  I 
ordered  the  two  advance  regiments,  (110th  and  122d  Ohio,)  as  soon  as  they 
had  become  unmasked  upon  General  Morris's  left,  to  move  by  the  right. 
flank  in  line  of  battle,  carry  the  crest  of  the  hill,  and  take  post  behind  a 
fence  upon  its  summit. 

The  6th  Maryland  and  138th  Pennsylvania  Infantry  Regiments  were 
ordered  to  file  in  rear  of  the  two  Ohio  regiments  and  take  position  upon 
their  left,  from  right  to  left,  in  the  order  named.  The  hill  was  carried 
and  the  fence  gained  with  but  slight  loss.  On  account  of  misunderstand, 
ing  an  order,  the  122d  and  110th  Ohio  Regiments  momentarily  fell  back 
a  short  distance ;  but  upon  being  ordered  back,  retook  their  position,  and 
became  immediately  engaged  w^ith  a  heavy  force  of  the  enemy. 

The  right  of  the  brigade  was  found  to  be  in  advance  of  the  1st  Brigade, 
leaving  it  in  great  danger  of  being  turned  by  the  enemy.  I  promptly 
reported  this  fact  to  General  Morris,  and  urged  him  to  advance  his  line 
and  also  occupy  the  crest  of  the  hill,  which  he  did  after  a  slight  delay. 

The  Ohio  regiments  maintained  their  position  until  near  dark,  when 
their  ammunition  becoming  exhausted,  they  were  relieved. 

The  6th  Maryland  wTas  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the  commencement  of 
the  action  until  near  its  close,  and  maintained  its  ground  gallantly. 

Two  assaults  were  made  upon  my  line,  the  first  in  front  of  the  Gth 
Maryland,  and  the  second  in  front  of  the  138th  Pennsylvania.  The  enemy 
was  formed  in  columns  of  attack  not  less  than  three  regiments  deep. — 
He  was  both  times  repulsed  with  very  heavy  loss.  During  these  assaults 
Colonels  John  W.  Horn,  of  the  6th  Maryland,  and  M.  R.  McClennan,  of 
the  13Sth  Pennsylvania  Infantry  Regiments,  distinguished  them 
selves  by  their  superior  courage  and  gallantry.  The  Gth  Maryland 
remained  in  its  position  until  the  battle  was  about  ended.  It  was  re 
lieved  about  6  P.  M.  Its  supply  of  ammunition  was  also  exhausted.  The 
138th  Pennsylvania  was  withdrawn  at  night,  and  after  the  close  of  the 
engagement. 


17 

The  brigade  bivouaced  for  the  night  a  short  distance  to  the  rear  of  the 
battle-ground.  The  men  were  supplied  with  ammunition  immediately 
upon  their  withdrawal. 

The  enemy's  loss  in  my  front  was  very  heavy.  His  killed  and  wounded 
were  left  upon  the  field. 

During  the  engagement,  with  rare  exceptions,  the  officers  and  men 
behaved  gallantly,  and  deserve  high  commendation. 

I  take  pleasure  in  mentioning  the  uniform  good  conduct  of  Colonel 
Win.  II.  Ball,  122d  Ohio,  Lieutenant-Colonel  W.  X.  Foster,  110th  Ohio, 
Colonel  J.  W.  Horn,  6th  Maryland,  and  Colonel  M.  R.  McClennan,  138th 
Pennsylvania  Infantry,  Regimental  Commanders.  They  remained  at 
their  posts,  and  with  skill  and  bravery  urged  on  their  men.  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  M.  M.  Granger,  Major  J.  (X  Hill,  Captains  Sells,  Ross,  Corny n, 
Guss,  Walters.  Stewart,  Prentiss,  Bradshaw,  Martin,  Beaver,  Rouzer, 
Spangler,  Moore,  McElwain,  and  many  others,  deserve  high  commenda 
tion.  Colonel  McClennan  was  severely  wounded  in  the  foot,  late  in  the 
action,  and  was  obliged  to  leave  the  field.  Lieutenant  James  A.  Fox, 
110th  Ohio  Infantry,  was  killed.  He  commanded  a  company,  and,  as 
upon  former  occasions,  distinguished  himself.  He  rose  from  the  ranks 
to  his  position  in  the  army.  He  was  not  only  brave,  but  an  accomplished 
gentleman  and  soldier.  He  commanded  the  esteem  of  all  who  knew  him. 
His  loss  will  be  deeply  deplored  by  his  many  friends.  The  total  killed 
in  my  brigade  was  one  officer  and  thirty-two  enlisted  men ;  wounded, 
seven  officers,  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-seven  enlisted  men.  A  list  of 
the  casualties  by  regiments  is  hereto  appended. 

On  the  morning  of  the  28th,  the  enemy  having  retreated,  the  brigade 
was  marched  to  a  point  between  the  plank  and  turnpike  roads  leading 
from  Fredericksburg  to  Orange  Court  House.  A  short  halt  was  made 
near  Robertson's  Tavern.  The  troops  were  put  in  position  facing  the 
enemy,  where  he  was  strongly  posted  behind  Mine  Run,  between  us  and 
Orange  Court  House,  and  covering  the  two  roads  named.  The  troops 
bivouaced  in  their  position  until  about  2  P.  M.,  November  29th,  when  my 
brigade,  under  the  direction  of  Brigadier-General  Carr,  was  formed  for 
an  attack  in  line  of  battle,  and  in  the  rear  of  the  3d  Brigade,  3d  Division, 
3d  A.  C.,  (Colonel  Smith.)  The  attack  was  not  made. 

At  4  A.  M.  November  30th,  was  marched  to  the  left  upon  the  plank 
road  and  again  formed,  as  before,  for  an  attack,  which  was  again  aban 
doned.  About  2  P.  M.  the  brigade,  with  the  other  troops  of  the  division, 
was  marched  to  its  late  position  near  the  center  of  the  whole  line. 

The  troops  bivouaced  in  this  position  until  7  P.  M.,  December  1st,  1863, 
when  orders  were  received  from  Brigadier-General  Carr  to  march  in  the 
advance  of  the  division.  The  troops  marched  to  Rapidan  River,  and 
crossed  at  Culpepper  Ford  about  4  A.  M.,  December  2d.  The  march  was 
resumed  about  12  M.  toward  Brandy  Station.  The  troops  bivouaced 
about  sundown  near  Rlchardsville. 

At  12  o'clock  midnight  the  march  was  resumed  for  Brandy  Station,  at 
which  place  the  brigade  arrived  about  6  A.  M.,  December  3d,  and  went 
into  camp,  where  it  still  remains. 


18 

During  the  march,  temporary  delays  were  occasioned  by  getting  upon 
the  wrong  road,  and  also  by  artillery  and  teams  stalling  on  bad  roads. — 
This  latter  was  particularly  the  case  upon  the  march  to  Culpepper  Ford, 
on  the  night  of  the  1st  inst. 

On  the  entire  campaign,  my  orders  were  received  from  Brigadier- 
General  Carr,  Commanding  Division. 

I  beg  further  to  report  that  many  sick  were  conveyed  from  Brandy 
Station  in  ambulances,  to  their  great  injury  and  the  inconvenience  of 
the  troops.  The  ambulances  being  required  for  the  conveyance  of  the 
wounded,  many  of  these  men,  although  unable  to  perform  the  day  and 
night  marches,  had  to  be  sent  to  their  regiments. 

The  wounded  received  all  possible  care  and  attention  at  the  hands  of 
the  medical  officers. 

Surgecn  C.  P.  Harrington,  Chief  Surgeon  of  the  Brigade,  Assistant- 
Surgeons  Richards,  Bryant,  Owen,  Cady,  Thornton  and  Foreman,  were 
actively  engaged  in  the  care  of  the  wounded.  The  last-named  remained 
upon  the  iield  during  the  engagement  of  the  27th  of  November,  and 
amidst  the  danger,  rendered  important  service  to  the  severely  wounded. 

In  conclusion,  I  beg  to  acknowledge  the  important  service  rendered  by 
Lieutenant  Wm.  A.  Hathaway,  A.  A.  A.  Gen.,  Lieutenant  Sam'l  J.  Yar- 
ger,  Act.  Asst.  Inspector  General,  and  Lieutenants  Thos.  S.  Black  and 
E.  S.  Narvell,  A.  A.  D.  C.'s  on  my  staff.  During  the  engagement  they 
each  displayed  cool  courage  and  excellent  skill.  For  their  prompt  action 
in  conveying  orders  upon  the  tield,  and  skill  exhibited  in  posting  troops, 
I  cannot  too  highly  commend  them.  They  also,  upon  the  march,  during 
the  entire  campaign,  deserve  commendation  for  their  efficiency  in  the 
movements  of  troops. 

I  am,  Lieutenant,  with  high  esteem,  your  obd't  and  humble  serv't., 

J.  WARREN  KEIFER, 

Colonel  Commanding. 

LIEUT.  J.  JOHNSON, 

A.  A.  A.  Gen.,  3d  Div.  3d  A.  C.,  Army  of  Potomac. 


Soon  after  the  return  of  the  army  from  the  Mine  Run  campaign,  the 
brigade  went  into  winter  quarters  about  two  miles  south  of  Brandy 
Station,  on  the  east  side  of  the  railroad,  and  on  the  plantation  owned  by 
John  Minor  Botts.  The  quarters  occupied  had  been  constructed,  in  the 
main,  by  the  rebels  prior  to  the  8th  of  November,  1863. 

The  troops  were  bountifully  supplied  with  stores  and  provisions  during 
the  winter,  but  suffered  great  hardships  while  performing  picket  and 
guard  duty  on  account  of  the  severity  of  the  weather. 

Orders  from  the  War  Department,  promulgated  through  army  head 
quarters  on  the  24th  of  March,  1864,  caused  the  3d  A.  C.  to  be  broken  up. 
The  3d  Division  was  assigned  to  the  6th  Corps  as  the  3d  Division  of  that 
corps.  The  126th  Ohio  and  67th  Pennsylvania,  of  the  3d  Brigade,  3d 
Division,  6th  A.  C.,  were  assigned  to  the  2d  Brigade,  3d  Division,  6th  A.  C. 


19 

The  troops  of  the  brigade  and  division  broke  up  winter  quarters  and 
went  into  camp  ubout  the  first  of  April,  near  Rixeyville,  about  two  miles 
west  of  the  Orange  &  Alexandria  Railroad,  at  which  place  they  remained 
until  May  4th,  A.  D.,  1864. 


Battles  of  Wilderness,  Spottsylvania  and  others, 

HEADQUARTERS  2D  BRIGADE,  3D  DIVISION,  GTH  A.  C.,) 
CAMP  NEAR  CEDAR  CREEK,  VA., 

November  1st,  1864.    ) 

CAPTAIN  :  I  have  the  honor  to  make  the  following  report  of  operations 
of  this  command,  commencing  May  4th,  1864,  and  ending  July  9th,  1864 : 

This  brigade  was  composed,  May  4th,  1864,  of  the  110th,  122d  and  126th 
Ohio,  6th  Maryland,  and  138th  Pennsylvania  Infantry  Regiments,  and  a 
detachment  of  men  from  the  67th  Pennsylvania,  temporarily  attached  to 
the  138th  Pennsylvania. 

The  regiments  were  commanded  respectively  by  myself,  Colonel  W.  H. 
Ball,  Lieutenant-Colonel  A.  W.  Ebright,  Colonel  John  W.  Horn,  and 
Colonel  M.  R.  McClennan. 

The  brigade  was  commanded  on  that  day  by  Colonel  B.  F.  Smith,  126th 
Ohio.  The  brigade  moved  from  its  camp  near  Culpepper  Court  House, 
Va.,  at  daylight  OH  the  4th  of  May,  and  crossed  the  Rapidan  River  at 
Germania  Ford  about  sunset  of  the  same  day,  and  bivouaced  for  the  night 
on  the  bank  of  the  river. 

Early  upon  the  morning  of  the  5th  of  May,  Brigadier  General  T.  Sey 
mour  assumed  command  of  the  brigade,  relieving  Colonel  Smith. 

EPOCH    I. 

The  brigade  moved,  about  8  A.  M.,  upon  the  Germania  Ford  Road 
leading  to  the  Fredericksburg  and  Orange  Court  House  Pike,  but  had 
not  proceeded  far  until  orders  were  received  to  return  to  and  guard  the 
ford  and  pontoon  bridges,  which  it  did. 

At  about  11  A.  M.,  the  brigade  again  inarched  toward  the  turnpike 
above  named,  and  arriving  near  it,  was  halted  upon  a  hill  to  the  right  of 
the  road  upon  which  it  had  inarched. 

About  1  P.  M.,  orders  were  received  for  the  brigade  to  proceed  to  the 
right  of  the  line,  and  report  to  General  H.  G.  Wright,  commanding  a 
division  of  the  6th  Corps. 

Heavy  firing  had  already  commenced  along  the  line. 

This  brigade  went  into  position  in  two  lines,  about  2  P.  M^  upon  the 
extreme  right  of  the  army,  the  110th  Ohio  and  6th  Maryland  in  the  front, 
and  the  122d  Ohio,  138th  Pennsylvania,  and  126th  Ohio,  in  the  rear  line. 

Under  orders  from  Brigadier-General  Seymour,  skirmishers  were  ad 
vanced  from  the  two  regiments  in  the  front  line,  who  soon  brought  on  a 
brisk  skirmish.  Captain  Luther  Brown,  110th  Ohio,  and  Captain  C.  K. 
Prentiss,  6th  Maryland,  who  were  in  command  of  our  skirmishers, 
pressed  the  enemy's  skirmishers  back  for  a  short  distance,  and  closely 
engaged  them,  until  about  5  P.  M.,  when  an  advance  of  the  brigade  was 
made. 


20 

I  received  orders  from  General  Seymour  to  assume  general  charge  of 
the  first  line,  to  press  the  enemy,  and,  if  possible,  out-flank  him  upon  his 
left.  The  troops  charged  forward  in  gallant  style,  pressing  the  enemy 
back  by  6  P.  M.  about  one  half  mile,  when  we  came  upon  him  upon  the 
slope  of  a  hill,  entrenched  behind  logs  which  had  been  hurriedly  thrown 
together.  During  the  advance  the  troops  were  twice  halted  and  a  lire 
opened,  killing  and  wounding  a  considerable  number  of  the  enemy. 

The  front  line  being  upon  the  extreme  right  of  the  army,  and  the 
troops  upon  its  left  (said  to  have  been  commanded  by  Brigadier-General 
Neil)  failing  to  move  forward  in  conjunction  with  it,  I  deemed  it  prudent 
to  halt  without  making  an  attack  upon  the  enemy's  line.  After  a  short 
consultation  with  Colonel  John  W.  Horn,  I  sent  word  to  Brigadier-Gen 
eral  Seymour  that  the  advance  line  of  the  brigade  was  unsupported 
upon  either  flank,  and  that  the  enemy  overlapped  the  right  and  left  of 
the  line,  and  was  apparently  in  heavy  force,  rendering  it  impossible  for 
the  troops  to  attain  success  in  a  further  attack. 

This  word  was  sent  by  Lieutenant  Gump,  of  General  Seymour's  staff. 
I  soon  after  received  an  order  to  attack  at  once. 

Feeling  sure  that  the  word  1  sent  had  not  been  received,  I  delayed 
until  a  second  order  was  received  to  attack.  I  accordingly  made  the  at 
tack  without  further  delay. 

The  attack  was  made  about  7  P.  M.  The  troops  were  in  a  thick  and 
dense  wilderness.  The  line  was  advanced  to  within  one  hundred  and 
fifty  yards  of  the  enemy's  works,  under  a  most  terrible  fire  from  the  front 
and  flanks.  It  was  impossible  to  succeed ;  but  the  two  regiments,  not 
withstanding,  maintained  their  ground  and  kept  up  a  rapid  fire  for  nearly 
three  hours,  and  then  retired  under  orders,  for  a  short  distance  only. 

I  was  wounded  about  8>£  P.  M.,  by  a  rifle  ball  passing  through  both 
bones  of  the  left  fore  arm,  but  did  not  relinquish  command  until  9  P.  M. 

The  troops  were  required  to  maintain  this  unequal  contest  under  the 
belief  that  other  troops  were  to  attack  the  enemy  upon  his  flank. 

In  this  attack  the  6th  Maryland  lost  in  killed  two  officers  and  sixteen 
men,  and  eight  officers  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  men  wounded ; 
and  the  110th  Ohio  lost  one  officer  and  thirteen  men  killed,  and  six  (6) 
officers  and  ninety-three  (93)  men  wounded,  making  an  aggregate  in  the 
two  regiments  of  two  hundred  and  seventy-one. 

Major  William  S.  McElwain,  110th  Ohio,  who  had  won  the  commenda 
tions  of  all  who  knew  him,  for  his  skill,  judgment  and  gallantry,  was 
among  the  killed. 

Lieutenant  Myers,  6th  Maryland,  was  also  killed.  Captain  John  M. 
Smith  and  Lieutenant  Joseph  McKnight,  110th  Ohio,  and  Captain  Adam 
B.  Martin,  6th  Maryland,  were  mortally  wounded,  and  have  since  died. 

Captain  J.  B.  Van  Eaton  and  Lieutenants  H.  H.  Stevens  and  G.  O. 
McMillen,  110th  and  Ohio,  Major  J.  C.  Hill,  Captains  A.  Billingslea,  J.  T. 
Goldsborough,  J.  J.  Bradshaw  and  J.  R.  Rouser,  and  Lieutenants  J.  A. 
Swarts,  C.  Darnuth  and  D.  J.  Smith,  6th  Maryland,  were  more  or  less  se 
verely  wounded. 


21 

All  displayed  the  greatest  bravery,  and  deserve  the  thanks  of  the  country. 

Colonel  John  W.  Horn,  6th  Maryland,  and  Lieutenant-Colonel  O.  H. 
Binkley,  110th  Ohio,  deserve  to  be  specially  mentioned  far  their  courage, 
skill  and  ability. 

Captains  Brown,  110th  Ohio,  and  Prentiss,  6th  Maryland,  distinguished 
themselves  in  their  successful  management  of  skirmishers. 

From  reports  of  this  night  attack  published  in  the  Richmond  papers,  it 
is  known  that  the  rebel  Brigadier-General  J.M.Jones,  (commanding  the 
Stonewall  Brigade,)  and  many  others,  were  killed  in  the  attack. 

In  consequence  of  my  wound,  I  was  not  with  the  brigade  after  the  bat 
tle  of  the  Wilderness,  during  its  memorable  and  bloody  campaign,  until 
August  26th,  1864,  and  I  am  unable  to  give  its  movements  and  operations 
from  personal  knowledge. 

The  brigade  was  commanded  by  Brigadier-General  T.  Seymour  until 
his  capture.  May  6th,  1864,  after  which,  with  the  exception  of  short  in 
tervals,  it  was  commanded  by  Colonel  B.  F.  Smith,  126th  Ohio.  Colonel 
Smith  is  now  absent  from  the  brigade. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  6th  of  May,  the  brigade  formed  in  two 
lines  of  battle  and  assaulted  the  enemy's  works  in  its  front,  the  122d  and 
126th  Ohio  and  138th  Pennsylvania  in  the  front  line,  and  the  110th  Ohio 
and  6th  Maryland  in  the  rear  line.  The  brigade  was  still  the  extreme 
right  of  the  army.  The  assault  was  most  vigorously  made,  but  the  enemy 
was  found  in  too  great  numbert  and  too  strongly  fortified  to  be  driven 
from  his  position.  After  suffering  very  heavy  loss,  the  troops  were 
withdrawn  to  their  original  position,  where  slight  fortifications  were 
thrown  up.  In  the  charge  the  troops  behaved  most  gallantly.  The  122d 
and  126th  Ohio  and  138th  Pennsylvania  lost  very  heavily. 

About  2  P.  M.,  Brigadier-General  Shaler's  Brigade,  of  the  1st  Division, 
6th  A.  C.,  took  position  upon  the  right  of  this  brigade,  and  became  the 
extreme  right  of  the  army. 

Skirmishing  continued  until  about  sunset,  when  the  enemy  turned  the 
right  of  the  army  and  made  an  attack  upon  its  flank  and  rear,  causing 
the  troops  to  give  way  rapidly,  and  compelling  them  to  fall  back  for 
some  distance  before  they  were  reformed.  So  rapid  was  the  enemy's 
advance  upon  the  flank  and  rear,  that  time  was  not  given  to  change  front 
to  meet  him,  and  some  confusion  occurred  in  the  retreat.  Few  prisoners 
were  lost  in  the  brigade.  The  lines  were  soon  re-established  and  the 
progress  of  the  enemy  stopped.  An  attack  was  made  by  the  enemy  upon 
the  re-established  line  about  8  P.  M.,  but  was  handsomely  repulsed. 

Unfounded  reports  were  circulated  that  the  troops  of  this  brigade  were 
the  first  to  give  way,  when  the  first  attack  of  the  enemy  was  made. 

It  is  not  improper  to  state  here  that  no  charges  of  bad  conduct  are 
made  against  the  troops  upon  its  right,  but  that  this  brigade  remained  at 
its  post  and  successfully  resisted  a  simultaneous  attack  from  the  front, 
until  the  troops  upon  its  right  were  doubled  back  and  were  retreating  in 
disorder  through  and  along  its  lines. 

About  7  A.  M.,  of  May  7th,  the  troops  were  moved  a  short  distance  to 
the  left,  and  threw  up  temporary  earthworks.  The  enemy  made  a  show 


22 

of  attack  soon  after,  but  were  driven  back  and  severely  punished  by 
artillery  fire.    Skirmishing  continued  throughout  the  day. 

This  brigade  was  detached  during  the  Battle  of  the  Wilderness  from 
the  other  troops  of  the  division,  and  received  orders  from  Major-General 
Wright,  commanding  1st  Division,  6th  Army  Corps, 

EPOCH    II. 

The  march  to  Spottsylvania  Court  House  commenced  at  8  P.  M.,  May 
7th.  The  troops  moved  all  night,  and  after  a  tedious  and  tiresome  march 
arrived  in  position  near  Spottsylvania  Court  House  about  0  1*.  M.,  May 
8th,  and  found  the  enemy  in  front  in  strong  works.  Immediate  prepara 
tions  were  made  for  an  assault,  which,  however,  was  not  made.  After 
dark  an  advance  was  made  as  near  the  enemy's  position  as  possible  with 
out  bringing  on  an  engagement.  The  troops  were  rationed  for  the  first 
time  on  the  campaign  at  this  place.  Breastworks  were  constructed  along 
the  front  line. 

The  lamented  Major-General  John  Sedgwick,  Commanding  the  Cth 
Army  Corps,  was  killed  by  a  rifle  shot  in  the  head  from  a  rebel  sharp 
shooter,  near  the  6th  Maryland  Regiment,  on  the  9th  of  May. 

On  the  10th,  a  desperate  attack  was  made  by  the  enemy  on  the  right  of 
the  brigade,  which  was  handsomely  repulsed.  In  addition  to  the  continu 
ous  and  heavy  skirmishing,  a  furious  artillery  fire  was  kept  up  all  day. 

The  brigade  was  moved  from  its  position,  on  the  llth,  a  short  distance 
to  the  left.  Constant  skirmishing  still  continued. 

On  the  12th,  the  brigade,  with  the  division,  was  formed  one  mile  to  the 
left,  about  11  A.  M.,  in  support  of  the  1st  and  2d  Divisions,  6th  A.  C.,  but 
was  not  heavily  engaged.  The  126th  Ohio  was  detached  about  12  M.,  and 
went  to  the  assistance  of  Brigadier-General  Wheaton's  Brigade,  2d  Di 
vision,  6th  Corps.  It  was  marched  to  the  front  line,  and  engaged  the 
enemy.  Fifty  rounds  of  ammunition  were  exhausted  before  the  regiment 
was  withdrawn.  Its  loss  was  16  enlisted  men  killed,  and  one  officer  and 
fifty-three  (53)  enlisted  men  wounded.  Lieutenant-Colonel  A.  W. 
Ebright,  commanding  the  regiment,  was  wounded  in  the  head.  He  sig 
nally  distinguished  himself  in  this  engagement. 

The  enemy  was  compelled  to  abandon  his  works  in  the  night,  and  on 
the  morning  of  the  13th  was  found  in  a  new  position,  some  distance  to 
the  rear. 

At  evening,  the  brigade  moved  back  to  the  position  occupied  upon  the 
12th. 

The  morning  of  the  14th  of  May,  the  brigade  moved  to  the  heights  on 
the  north  bank  of  the  river  Ny.  The  evening  of  the  same  day,  the 
brigade  charged  in  line  of  battle  across  the  river,  and  took  the  heights 
upon  the  opposite  bank,  from  which  troops  from  the  1st  Division  6th 
Corps,  had  been  driven.  The  brigade  at  once  intrenched  and  remained 
in  position  until  the  evening  of  the  17th,  at  which  time  it  commenced  to 
march  back  again  to  its  position  of  the  12th. 

The  brigade  reached  its  position  about  6  A.  M.  of  the  18th,  and  there 
remained  under  a  heavy  artillery  fire  from  the  enemy  until  12  M.,  and 


23 

then  commenced  a  march  again  to  its  position  on  the  south  bank  of  th« 
Ny  River,  near  the  Anderson  House,  arriving  about  7  P.  M. 

The  brigade  moved  forward  on  the  16th  of  May  about  two  miles,  but 
did  not  bring  on  a  general  engagement,  and  again  entrenched. 

Some  changes  were  made  in  the  line  on  the  21st,  after  which  brisk 
skirmishing  ensued. 

EPOCH    III. 

The  march  from  the  position  last  mentioned  to  the  North  Anna  River 
commenced  at  10  P.  M.,  May  21st,  and  wras  attended  with  no  lighting,  the 
brigade  having  been  detailed  as  guard  for  ammunition  and  headquarters 
trains.  On  the  evening  of  the  25th  of  May,  the  brigade  was  relieved 
from  duty  as  train  guard,  and  reported  to  Brigadier-General  J.  B.  Ricketts, 
Commanding  Division,  and  immediately  went  into  position  on  the  south 
bank  of  the  North  Anna  River. 

On  the  26th  of  May,  the  9th  N.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  commanded  by 
Lieutenant-Colonel  W.  II.  Seward,  joined  this  brigade.  On  the  same  day 
the  brigade  was  marched  about  three  miles  to  the  Virginia  Central  Rail- 
Road,  at  Noel's  Station,  and  immediately  countermarched  to  its  former 
position  on  the  North  Anna  River. 

EPOCH    IV. 

Leaving  this  last-named  position,  and  re-crossing  the  North  Anna 
River  about  7  P.  M.,  commenced  the  march  for  the  Pamunky  River.  The 
brigade  reached  the  river  and  crossed  at  Sailor's  Ford  at  12  M.,  on  the  28th 
of  May,  marched  about  2  miles  from  it,  and  again  halted  and  entrenched. 
The  brigade  remained  in  position,  skirmishing  continually,  until  day 
light  of  May  30th,  when  it  moved  with  the  division  in  a  northwesterly 
direction,  striking  the  Hanover  Court  House  and  Richmond  Turnpike  at 
the  17  mile  post,  about  10  A.  M.  Thence  along  that  road  to  the  Tolopoto- 
my  River,  arriving  upon  its  north  bank  at  5  P.  M.,  where  the  brigade  was 
formed  in  line  of  battle.  In  this  position,  the  brigade  remained  until  12 
M.  of  the  31st,  when  it  was  moved  across  the  river  and  formed  in  line  of 
battle  on  the  south  bank.  Heavy  skirmishing  ensued  throughout  the 
remainder  of  the  clay,  the  enemy  being  in  front  in  strong  earthworks. — 
At  12  o'clock,  midnight,  commenced  the  march  to  Cold  Harbor,  (or  Cool 
Arbor,)  by  the  way  of  Salem  Church,  arriving  about  10}^  A.  M.,  June  1st, 
1864.  The  cavalry  which  preceded  were  relieved  on  the  skirmish  line  by 
the  110th  Ohio,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Binkley  commanding.  Entrench 
ments  were  hurriedly  thrown  np. 

About  2  P.  M.,  the  brigade  was  moved  from  its  works  a  short  distance 
to  the  left,  and  formed  in  four  lines  of  battle,  preparatory  to  a  charge, 
the  6th  Maryland  and  138th  Pennsylvania  in  the  1st  line,  9th  N.  Y.  H. 
A.  in  the  2d  and  3d  lines,  and  122d  and  126th  Ohio  in  the  4th  line.  At  6 
P.  M.  a  general  assault  was  made  upon  the  enemy  in  his  works.  This 
brigade  carried  the  works  in  its  front,  and  captured  several  hundred  pris 
oners,  who  were  taken  to  the  rear.  The  captured  works  were  held,  and 
the  enemy  forced  back.  Repeated  efforts  were  made  by  the  enemy  during 


24 

the  succeeding  night  to  retake  the  works,  but  he  was  each  time  repulsed 
with  heavy  loss. 

The  officers  and  men  of  the  brigade  deserve  great  praise  for  their  valor 
in  this  battle.  I  regret  to  say  that  I  am  unable  to  mention  the  officers 
who  were  most  conspicuous.  Colonels  Horn  and  McClennan,  who  com 
manded  the  advance  line,  were  particularly  gallant  in  leading  their  men 
into  the  works. 

The  following  communication  was  received,  highly  commending  the 
troops  for  their  conduct  on  that  day : 

"BY  TELEGRAPH  FROM  HEADQUARTERS  A.  P./ 
Dated  June  1st,  1864.    $ 

To  MAJOR-GENERAL  WRIGHT  :  Please  give  my  thanks  to  Brigadier- 
General  Ricketts  and  his  gallant  command  for  the  very  handsome  manner 
in  which  they  have  conducted  themselves  today.  The  success  attained 
by  them  is  of  great  importance,  and  if  followed  up,  will  materially  ad 
vance  our  operations.  Respectfully  yours, 

(Signed)  GEO.  G.  MEADE, 

Major-General,  Commanding. 

GENERAL  :     Major-General  Wright  directs  me  to  say  that  he  transmits 
the  within  to  you  with  great  pleasure.    Your  obd't  serv't, 
(Signed)  R.  F.  HALSTEAD,  Captain  and  A.  A.  Gen'l. 

Brigadier-General  Ricketts, 

Headquarters  3d  Div.,  Gth  A.  ('., 
June  2d,  1864. 

OFFICIAL  I 

ADAM  E.  KING,  Captain  and  A.  A.  Gen'l." 

June  2d  the  captured  works  were  altered  and  strengthened  for  defensive 
operations.  Ko  general  engagement  occurred  on  this  day,  but  skirmish 
ing  and  artillery  fire  continued.  On  the  3d  of  June,  Colonel  John  W. 
Horn  assumed  temporary  command  of  the  brigade,  in  consequence  of 
the  indisposition  of  Colonel  Smith. 

The  brigade  formed,  110th  and  122d  Ohio  in  the  first  line,  9th  N.  Y. 
Heavy  Artillery  in  the  2d  and  3d  lines,  and  the  6th  Maryland,  126th  Ohio 
and  138th  Pennsylvania  in  the  4th  line,  moved  forward  about  6  A.  M., 
June  3d,  a  distance  of  two  hundred  yards,  and  then,  under  a  heavy  fire 
of  the  enemy,  entrenched,  using  bayonets,  tin  cups  and  plates  for  this 
purpose.  Many  valiant  officers  were  killed  and  wounded  on  this  day. 

From  the  3d  to  the  10th,  gradual  approaches  were  made  toward  the 
enemy's  works  by  means  of  zig-zag  lines.  Heavy  tiring  was  constantly 
kept  up  along  the  lines. 

The  3d  Division  moved  to  the  rear  and  left,  about  2  A.  M.,  June  llth, 
and  halted  in  rear  of  the  2d  Division,  2d  Army  Corps.  At  dusk,  the  di 
vision  relieved  the  portion  of  the  line  then  occupied  by  the  2d  Division, 
2d  A.  C.  Colonel  Smith  resumed  command  of  the  brigade  June  12th. 

EPOCH    V. 

The  brigade  remained  in  thelast-named  position  until  lOkj  P.  M..  June 
12th,  when  it  was  withdrawn,  and  immediately  commenced  the  march, 
with  the  division  and  corps,  by  the  way  of  Hopkin's  Mill,  Moody  "s  Farm 


25 


and  Emmitt's  Church,  to  Jones'  Bridge,  across  the  Chickahominy  River; 
thence  by  way  of  the  Charles  City  Court  House  Road  to  James  River, 
near  Wilcox  Landing,  arriving  June  14th.  On  the  aftern  oon  of  the  15th 
the  brigade  with  the  corps  formed  lines  and  entrenched. 

On  the  16th,  the  troops  were  moved  to  the  left  and  toward  the  river  a 
short  distance,  and  again  entrenched.  At  5  P.  M.,  colored  troops  from 
the  9th  Corps  relieved  the  brigade,  and  with  the  division,  it  was  marched 
to  Wilcox  Landing,  and  embarked  on  transports  at  8  P.  M.  The  main 
portion  of  the  brigade  disembarked  at  about  1  A.  M.,  June  17th,  at  Point 
of  Rocks.  The  122d  Ohio  disembarked  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Appo- 
mattox,  at  the  confluence  of  that  river  with  the  James,  marched,  and 
joined  the  brigade  at  Bermuda  Hundred,  at  10  A.  M.  Nothing  of  im 
portance  transpired  while  at  Bermuda  Hundred. 

The  division  was  relieved  at  3  P.  M.,  June  19th,  and  marched  and  joined 
the  corps  in  front  of  Petersburg  atfP.  M.  On  the  21st,  the  corps  moved 
to  the  extreme  left  of  the  army.  The  6th  Maryland  and  110th  Ohio,  under 
command  of  Colonel  Horn,  relieved  the  cavalry,  who  were  then  engaged 
with  the  enemy.  The  brigade  was  formed  in  two  lines  of  battle,  and 
entrenched. 

The  22d  of  June,  about  7  A.  M.,  an  advance  was  made  of  one  half  mile, 
heavy  skirmishing  ensuing,  in  consequence  of  which  the  lines  were 
halted  and  entrenched.  At  2  P.  M.,  the  troops  were  withdrawn  to  the 
position  last  vacated.  A  charge  was  made  by  the  division  at  7  P.  M., 
causing  the  enemy  to  give  way  precipitately.  After  advancing  two 
miles,  the  troops  halted  and  again  entrenched. 

Orders  were  received  from  Brigadier-General  Rieketts,  June  23d,  at  6 
P.  M.,  to  send  three  regiments  to  report  to  Brigadier-General  Wheaton, 
Commanding  2d  Division,  6th  Army  Corps.  Accordingly,  the  110th  and 
and  122d  Ohio  and  6th  Maryland  Regiments  were  sent.  The  remainder 
of  the  brigade  was  withdrawn,  and  formed  in  rear  of  and  as  support  for 
the  2d  Division,  6th  Army  Corps.  The  brigade  was  withdrawn  about 
S)4  !*•  M.  to  the  position  occupied  on  the  evening  of  the  21st. 

The  works  were  strengthened  on  the  24th,  and  the  troops  were  ordered 
to  rest,  for  the  first  time  on  the  campaign.  Headquarters  and  regimental 
wagons  were  also  ordered  up  to  the  troops,  for  the  first  time.  The  re 
mainder  of  the  67th  Pennsylvania,  commanded  by  Colonel  John  F. 
Staunton,  joined  the  brigade  June  the  28th. 

The  29th,  the  brigade,  with  the  corps,  marched  to  Ream's  Station,  on 
the  Weldon  &  Petersburg  Railroad,  and  formed  in  position  and  en 
trenched.  A  detail  of  600  men  from  the  brigade  aided  in  tearing  up  the 
railroad,  on  the  30th  of  June.  At  6  P.  M.,  the  troops  marched  by  the 
way  of  the  Jerusalem  Plask  Road  toward  a  point  near  the  Williams 
House,  and  arrived  the  same  night. 

July  the  2d,  the  brigade  went  into  entrenchments  at  the  Williams 
House,  about  5  miles  south  of  Petersburg.  Colonel  Btaunton  took  com 
mand  of  the  brigade  on  the  morning  of  the  6th  of  July.  Orders  were 


26 

received  at  3  P.  M.,  July  6th,  to  march  to  City  Point  embark  for  Balti 
more,  and  from  thence  proceed  to  the  vicinity  of  Harper's  Ferry,  Va. 


Many  officers  who  fell  in  this  long  and  memorable  campaign  should  be 
favorably  mentioned,  but  the  already  great  length  of  this  report  forbids 
my  doing  it. 

I  would  do  injustice  to  brave  and  valuable  officers  if  I  did  not  make 
mention  of  Colonels  Wm.  IT.  Ball,  John  W.  Horn,  Matthew  R.  McClen- 
nan,  and  Lietenarit-Oolonels  A.  W.  Ebright,  Otho  H.  Binkley  and  Moses 
M.  Granger.  These  officers  endured  the  dangers  and  hardships  of  the 
entire  campaign,  and  by  their  personal  daring  and  good  example,  did 
much  to  secure  the  results  attained. 

It  should  not  be  forgotten  that  many  of  the  affairs  mentioned  in  this 
report  as  skirmishes  rise  to  the  dignity  of  battles,  compared  with  many 
of  the  so-reported  battles  of  this  and  former  wars. 

In  justice  to  line  officers,  it  should  not  be  forgotten  that  thev  were  the 
principal  actors  in  managing  the  skirmishers,  and  were  often  for  many 
hours,  and  even  days,  under  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  sharpshooters. 

The  men  on  the  campaign,  in  addition  to  the  many  hard  days'  lighting, 
suffered  uncomplainingly  the  severe  marches  in  the  heat  of  summer,  and 
often  without  a  proper  supply  of  water,  &c. 

This  long  campaign,  more  than  all  others,  illustrates,  the  endurance, 
valor  and  patriotism  of  the  true  American  Soldier. 

EPOCH    VI  . 

The  division,  in  obedience  to  orders,  took  transports  at  City  Point,  July 
6th,  and  proceeded  to  Baltimore,  Md.,  where  it  arrived  on  the  morning  of 
the  8th  of  July.  The  110th  and  126th  Ohio,  138th  Pennsylvania,  and  the 
1st  and  2d  Battalions  9th  New  York  Heavy  Artillery,  and  a  detachment 
of  the  122d  Ohio,  were  immediately  shipped  to  Monocacy,  Md.  The  6th 
Maryland,  67th  Pennsylvania,  and  the  remainder  of  the  122d  Ohio,  under 
the  command  of  Colonel  John  F.  Staunton,  did  not,  in  consequence  of 
unnecessary  delays  caused  by  him,  arrive  at  Monocacy,  but  joined  the 
brigade  after  the  battle  of  the  9th  of  July.  The  regiments  that  arrived 
at  Monocacy,  under  command  of  Colonel  M.  R.  McClennan,  with  other 
troops  of  the  division,  the  whole  under  command  of  Brigadier-General 
J.  B.  Ricketts,  took  a  most  conspicuous  part  in  the  battle  of  Monocacy, 
and  each  lost  heavily. 

Heavy  skirmishing  commenced  about  8  A.  M.,  on  the  9th  of  July.  A 
general  engagement  ensued,  which  ended  about  2  P.  M.  In  consequence 
of  the  vastly  superior  numbers  of  the  enemy,  our  troops  were  obliged  to 
retire,  but  not  until  the  rebels  had  been  severely  punished.  The  enemy's 
loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was  so  great,  that  his  future  movements  were 
materially  delayed. 

Captain  Wm.  A.  Hathaway,  110th  Ohio,  was  killed  upon  the  field.  He 
was  an  accomplished  young  officer,  and  had  rendered  his  country  great 
and  good  service.  Lieutenant-Colonel  E.  P.  Taft,  9th  N.  Y.  Heavy  Ar- 


27 

tillery,  Captain  G.  W.  Guss,  138th  Pennsylvania,  Captain  Luther  Brown 
and  Lieutenant  George  O.  McMillen,  11.0th  Ohio,  were  among  the  dan 
gerously  wounded.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Taft  has  since  had  a  leg  ampu 
tated.  Lieutenant  McMillen  has  died.  Many  other  officers  were  more 
or  less  severely  wounded.  Colonels  McClennnan  and  Seward,  Lieutenant 
Colonels  Einkley  and  Taft,  Majors  Aaron  Spangler  and  Chas.  Burgess, 
and  Captains  Brown,  Snodgrass,  Guss,  Feight  and  others,  were  distin 
guished  for  gallantry  in  this  as  in  many  other  actions. 


For  especial  mention  of  the  conduct  of  officers,  and  for  full  and  com 
plete  details  of  operations  of  regiments,  attention  is  invited  to  reports  of 
regimental  commanders,  which  are:  herewith  transmitted.  The  reports 
of  Colonels  Ball,  Horn,  McClennan,  and  Lieutenant-Colonels  Ebright 
and  Binkley,  are  particularly  interesting. 

Lieutenant  A.  J.  Harrison,  126th  Ohio,  A.  A.  A.  Gen'l,  Lieutenants 
John  A.  Gump  and  J.T.Rorer,  (now  Captain,)  138th Pennsylvania,  Aids- 
de-Camp  upon  the  brigade  staff,  deserve  special  mention  for  their  bravery 
in  conveying  orders,  and  their  good  judgment  in  moving  and  posting 
troops.  Lieutenant  Harrison  lost  an  arm  and  was  captured  at  the  battle 
of  the  Wilderness,  after  which  the  duties  of  A.  A.  A.  Gen'l  were  per 
formed  by  Lieutenant  Gump.  To  Captain  J.  T.  llorer  I  am  indebted  for 
many  of  the  facts  contained  in  this  report. 

I  herewith  append  a  summary  of  casualties  by  regiments  which  oc 
curred  in  this  brigade  from  May  4th  to  July  9th,  1864,  inclusive.  The 
total  loss  during  the  campaign  was  two  thousand  and  thirty-three  (2,033) 
officers  and  men. 

I  am,  Captain,  truly,  your  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

J.  WARREN  KEIFER, 
Colonel  110th  Ohio  Vols.,  Comd'g  Brigade. 

Captain  ANDREW  J.  SMITH, 

A.  A.  Adj't  Gen'l,  3d  Division,  6th  A.  C. 


After  the  battle  of  Monocacy,  the  3d  Division  marched  to  near  Balti 
more,  but  subsequently  rejoined  the  other  two  divisions  of  the  6th  Corps 
at  Washington,  and  participated  in  the  pursuit  of  General  Early 's  army. 

The  brigade  participated  in  skirmishes  of  some  importance  at  Snicker's 
Gap,  Charlestown,  Halltown  and  Smithneld,  Virginia,  in  August,  1864. 

On  the  3d  of  September,  the  army  under  Sheridan  moved  from  Hall- 
town  to  Clifton  Farm,  near  Berryville,  Va. 


28 
Battles  of  Opequon  and  Fisher's  Hill, 

HEADQUARTERS  2D  BRIGADE,  3o  DIVISION,  GTH  A.  C.,) 

CAMP  AT  HARRISONBURG,  VA.,       > 

September  27th,  1864.    > 

CAPTAIN — Sir:  As  directed  in  orders,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  a 
report  of  the  operations  of  this  brigade  at  the  late  engagements  at  Ope 
quon  and  Fisher's  Hill : 

OPEQUON. 

This  brigade  was  composed  on  the  morning  of  the  19th  inst.  of  the  6th 
Maryland,  138th  and  67th  Pennsylvania,  110th,  122d  and  126th  Ohio  In 
fantry  Regiments,  and  1st  and  2d  Battalions  9th  New  York  Heavy  Artil 
lery  Regiment,  commanded  respectively  by  Colonel  John  W.  Horn,  Col. 
M.  R.  McClennan,  1st  Lieutenant  J.  F.  Young,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Otho 
H.  Binkley,  Colonel  Wm.  H.  Ball,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Aaron  W.  Ebright, 
aud  Major  Chas.  Burgess,  numbering  in  the  aggregate  about  2,000  mus 
kets. 

At  3  A.  M.  September  }6th,  1864,  the  brigade  marched  from  its  late 
camp  near  Berryville  to  the  Berry ville  Pike,  and  along  the  pike  in  the 
direction  of  Winchester,  Va.,  crossing  Opequon  Creek  near  the  pike,  and 
about  5  miles  from  Winchester.  Thence  it  was  moved  to  within  three 
miles  of  Winchester,  and  formed  under  the  crest  of  a  hill  to  the  right  of 
the  pike  and  upon  the  right  of  the  3d  Division,  which  was  the  right  of 
the  6th  Corps.  Skirmishers  were  thrown  forward  from  the  front  line, 
under  command  of  Major  Chas.  M.  Cornyn,  122d  Ohio,  who  immediately 
became  engaged  with  the  enemy's  skirmishers.  This  position  was  at 
tained  about  9  A.  M.  The  19th  Army  Corps  was  formed  about  11  A.  M. 
upon  the  right  of  the  6th  Corps,  its  left  connecting  with  the  right  of  my 
brigade.  Heavy  skirmishing  continued  until  about  12  M.,  when  the 
whole  line  advanced. 

I  was  ordered  by  Brigadier-General  Ricketts  to  dress  my  brigade  to 
ward  the  turnpike  and  upon  the  1st  Brigade,  3d  Division,  6th  Corps.  As 
soon  as  we  commenced  to  advance,  we  were  exposed  to  a  heavy  artillery 
fire  from  the  enemy.  The  19th  Corps  did  not  move  and  keep  connection 
with  my  right,  and  the  turnpike  upon  which  the  division  was  dressing 
bore  to  the  left,  causing  a  wide  interval  between  the  6th  and  19th  Corps. 
As  the  lines  advanced,  the  interval  became  greater.  The  enemy,  discov 
ering  this  fact,  hurled  a  large  body  of  men  toward  the  interval,  and 
threatened  to  take  my  right  in  flank.  I  at  once  caused  the  138th  and 
67th  Pennsylvania  and  110th  Ohio  Regiments  to  break  their  connection 
with  the  right  of  my  brigade,  and  move  toward  the  advancing  column 
of  the  enemy.  These  three  regiments  most  gallantly  met  the  enemy's 
overwhelming  masses,  and  held  them  in  check. 

The  19th  Corps  soon  came  up,  and  encountered  a  very  heavy  force  of 
the  rebels  in  a  woods  to  the  right  of  the  three  regiments  named.  As 
soon  as  the  19th  Corps  engaged  the  enemy,  the  force  in  my  front  com 
menced  slowly  retiring.  I  pushed  forward  the  three  regiments  until  we 
came  upon  two  batteries  of  artillery,  (8  guns,)  silencing  them,  and  com 
pelling  the  enemy  to  abandon  them.  The  three  regiments  had  arrived 
within  less  than  200  yards  of  the  two  batteries,  when  the  19th  Corps,  after 


29 

a  most  gallant  resistance,  gave  way.  The  enemy  at  once  came  upon  my 
right  flank  in  large  force.  Successful  resistance  was  no  longer  possible. 
The  three  regiments  had  already  suffered  heavily,  and  were  obliged  to 
fall  back  in  some  disorder.  The  enemy  regained  a  portion  of  the  ground 
from  which  he  had  been  driven.  In  falling  back,  we  lost  no  prisoners. 

The  broken  troops  of  my  brigade  were  halted  and  reformed  in  a  woods 
behind  troops  from  the  reserve,  which  had  come  forward  to  fill  up  the 
interval.  As  soon  as  reformed,  they  were  moved  forward  again  over  the 
same  ground  they  had  traversed  the  first  time.  While  moving  this  por 
tion  of  my  brigade  forward,  I  received  an  order  from  Brigadier-General 
Ricketts,  commanding  division,  to  again  unite  my  brigade  near  the  cen 
ter  of  the  corps,  and  to  the  right  of  the  turnpike,  near  a  house.  This 
order  was  obeyed  at  once,  and  my  whole  brigade  was  placed  in  one  line, 
immediately  confronting  the  enemy.  The  four  regiments  of  my  brigade, 
that  were  upon  the  left,  kept  connection  with  the  1st  Brigade,  3d  Division, 
and  fought  desperately,  in  the  main  driving  the  enemy.  They  also  cap 
tured  a  considerable  number  of  prisoners  in  their  first  advance. 

Heavy  firing  was  kept  up  along  the  whole  line  until  about  4  P.  M., 
when  a  general  advance  took  place.  The  enemy  gave  way  before  the 
impetuosity  of  our  troops,  and  were  soon  completely  routed.  This  brig 
ade  pressed  forward  with  the  advance  line  to,  and  into,  the  streets  of 
Winchester.  The  rout  of  the  enemy  was  everywhere  complete.  Night 
came  on,  and  the  pursuit  wras  stopped.  The  troops  of  my  brigade  en 
camped  with  the  corps  on  the  Strasburg  and  Front  Royal  Roads,  south 
of  Winchester. 

This  brigade  lost  in  the  Battle  of  Opequon,  some  valiant  and  superior 
officers.  Lieutenant-Colonel  A.  W.  Ebright,  commanding  126th  Ohio, 
was  killed  instantly  early  in  the  action.  He  was  uniformly  brave  and 
skillful.  He  had  fought  in  the  many  battles  of  the  6th  Corps  during  the 
past  summer's  campaign.  Captain  Thomas  J.  Hyatt  and  Lieutenant 
Rufus  Ricksecker,  126th  Ohio,  and  Lieutenant  Win.  H.  Burns,  6th  Mary 
land,  also  fell  in  this  action.  Each  was  conspicuous  for  gallantry  on  this 
and  other  fields  upon  which  he  had  fought.  Colonel  John  W.  Horn,  6th 
Maryland,  whom  none  excelled  for  distinguished  bravery,  was  severely 
if  not  mortally  wounded.  Colonel  Win.  II.  Ball,  122d  Ohio,  received  a 
wound  from  a  shell,  but  did  not  quit  the  field.  He  maintained  his  usual 
reputation  for  cool  courage  and  excellent  judgment  and  skill.  Captain ' 
John  S.  Stucky,  138th  Pennsylvania,  lost  a  leg.  Major  Chas.  M.  Cornyn, 
122d  Ohio,  Captains  Feight  and  Walter,  138th  Pennsylvania,  Captain 
Williams,  Lieutenants  Patterson,  Wells  and  Crooks,  126th  Ohio,  Captains 
Hawkins  and  Rouzer  and  Lieutenant  Smith,  6th  Maryland,  Lieutenants 
Fish  and  Calvin,  9th  X.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  Captains  Van  Eaton  and 
Trimble  and  Lieutenants  Deeter  and  Simes,  110th  Ohio,  are  among  the 
many  officers  more  or  less  severely  wounded.  (Lieutenant  Deeter,  110th 
Ohio,  has  since  died.)  I  cannot  too  highly  commend  their  gallantly. 

Captain  J.  P.  Dudrow,  122d  Ohio,  and  Lieutenant  R.  W.  Wiley,  were 
each  slightly  wounded  while  acting  as  A.  D.  C.'s  upon  my  staff. 

The  aggregate  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  in  the  brigade  was,  -1  officers 
and  46  enlisted  men  killed,  and  24  officers  and  264  enlisted  men  wounded, 


30 

making  an  aggregate  loss  in  the  brigade,  at  the  Battle  of  Opequon,  of  28 
officers  and  310  enlisted  men. 

The  enemy  was  pursued  on  the  20th  to  Fisher's  Hill,  about  lU  miles 
south  of  Strasburg,  Va.,  on  the  Staunton  Turnpike,  where  he  was  found 
strongly  fortified  in  an  apparently  impregnable  position. 

This  brigade  bivouaced  with  the  Corps  near  Strasburg,  Va. 

FISHER'S     HILL. 

About  12  M.  on  the  21st,  the  brigade,  except  the  9th  N.  Y.  Heavy  Ar 
tillery,  which  was  detailed  as  wagon  guard,  moved  witli  the  corps  to  the 
right  of  Strasburg,  and  was  formed  again  upon  the  extreme  right  of  the 
corps. 

In  compliance  with  an  order  from  Brigadier-General  Ricketts,  1  ordered 
forward  the  126th  Ohio,  commanded  by  Captain  G.  W.  Hoge,  to  aid  in 
driving  the  enemy  from  a  hill  in  our  front.  The  regiment  became  en 
gaged  with  the  enemy.  The  6th  Maryland,  commanded  by  Captain  ('. 
K.  Prentice,  was  soon  after  ordered  forward  to  its  support.  After  a  brisk 
fight,  the  two  regiments  charged  and  took  the  heights,  thereby  gaining 
a  very  important  position,  upon  which  the  troops  bivouaced  for  the  night. 
In  this  affair,  the  126th  Ohio  had  4  enlisted  men  killed  and  17  wounded, 
and  the  6th  Maryland  had  7  enlisted  men  wounded.  Captains  Hoge  and 
Prentice  displayed  great  gallantry  in  this  action. 

The  brigade  remained  in  the  position  occupied  011  the  night  of  the  21st 
inst.  until  about  12  M.  of  the  22d  inst.  The  6th  Maryland,  being  on  the 
skirmish  line,  was  constantly  engaged  with  the  enemy's  skirmishers.— 
At  the  hour  last  named,  as  directed  by  Brigadier-General  Ricketts,  the. 
brigade  moved  off  to  the  right  and  upon  the  enemy's  left,  and  with  the 
1st  Brigade,  3d  Division,  as  a  support,  attacked  and  drove  the  enemy 
from  two  hills  which  they  held  in  considerable  force.  So  rapid  was  their 
flight,  that  they  abandoned  shelter  tents,  blankets,  and  a  considerable 
amount  of  infantry  ammunition.  During  this  advance,  1  ordered  the  6th 
Maryland  to  push  forward  upon  the  extreme  left  of  my  skirmish  line,  to 
resist  an  attack  from  the  enemy  in  that  direction,  which  it  was  successful 
in  doing.  In  this  attack,  portions  of  the  110th  and  122d  Ohio  were 
thrown  forward  as  a  strong  line  of  skirmishers,  under  command  of  Lieu 
tenant-Colonel  M.  M.  Granger,  122d  Ohio.  Major  Aaron  Spangler  com 
manded  the  110th  Ohio.*  Colonel  Granger  and  Major  Spangler  exhibited 
their  usual  skill  and  good  judgment  in  the  successful  management  of 
troops. 

The  skirmishers  were  pushed  over  the  crest  of  the  hill  and  to  within 
long  rifle  range  of  the  enemy's  main  works,  in  which  were  mounted 
heavy  guns.  The  brigade  was  formed  behind  the  crest  of  the  hill,  con 
fronting  the  enemy.  Although  near  the  enemy,  he  was  not  able  to  do 
us  much  injury  with  his  artillery. 

Sharp  skirmishing  continued  until  about  4  P.  M.,  when  the  8th  Corps 
commenced  an  advance  some  distance  further  to  the  right,  and  upon  the 


-'Lieutenant-Colonel  Otho  H.  Binkley  was  corps  officer  of  the  clay  on  the  22d, 
and  received  his  orders  directly  from  General  Wright. 


31 

left  flank  and  rear  of  the  enemy.  A  heavy  fire  had  been  opened  upon 
his  works  by  artillery  to  my  rear  and  left.  My  skirmishers  were  pressed 
forward,  with  orders  to  halt  near  the  enemy's  works  and  open  fire  upon 
his  gunners.  The  whole  line  soon  after  advanced  and  charged  the  works, 
capturing  many  prisoners  and  four  (4)  guns,  and  dispersing  the  rebel 
infantry  in  all  directions.  As  we  charged,  a  battery  opened ,  my  men 
still  further  to  our  left.  The  8th  Corps  came  up  on  our  immediate  right 
and  with  them  we  moved  forward  without  delay,  and  charged  the  last 
mentioned  battery,  capturing  it  also. 

At  about  this  time,  the  whole  army  commenced  advancing.  The  8th 
Corps  and  3d  Division,  6th  Corps,  being  fully  upon  the  enemy's  flank 
and  rear,  pushed  forward  with  wild  and  victorious  shouts  along  the  en 
tire  line  of  the  enemy,  from  his  left  to  extreme  right,  taking  all  his  artil 
lery  in  position,  and  capturing  and  dispersing  his  troops.  Not  a  regiment 
or  company  of  the  enemy  left  the  field  in  anything  like  order.  Of  the 
number  of  pieces  of  artillery  captured,  this  brigade  is  entitled  to  the 
credit  of  eight,  at  least.  The  number  of  prisoners  captured  by  the 
brigade,  I  cannot  state.  Many  of  them  were  left  behind  to  be  picked  up 
by  others  in  the  rear.  It  is  said  that  through  neglect  to  place  guards 
over  captured  artillery,  other  troops  who  came  up  later,  guarded  and 
claimed  it  as  their  prize. 

The  brigade  pursued  the  enemy  with  the  corps  all  night.  The  pursuit 
of  the  fugitive  rebels  was  continued  by  the  infantry  to  Harrisonburg,  Va., 
at  which  place  the  army  arrived  on  the  25th  inst.  Thus  ended  the  glori 
ous  victory  at  Fisher's  Hill,  (the  enemy's  boasted  "Haven  of  Security.") 
The  loss  in  my  brigade  on  the  22d  was  very  light,  considering  the  result 
attained.  Many  acts  of  daring  bravery  were  performed  by  officers  and 
men  of  this  command.  Lieutenant  R.  W.  Wiley,  with  privates  O.  A. 
Ashbrook,  Co.  "1,"  126th  Ohio,  Wm.  Wise  and  Elias  Barr,  Co.  "I,"  110th 
Ohio,  rushed  in  advance  of  the  line  and  captured  Captain  Ashby  (brother 
of  the  late  rebel  Generpl  Ashby)  and  21  men.  {Sergeant  Albert  Routzan 
and  private  Elias  Wreight,  Co.  "B/'  138th  Pennsylvania,  were  the  first 
in  a  fort,  in  which  they  captured  one  officer  and  30  men.  Each  party 
brought  its  prisoners  away  securely.  Other  instances  of  a  similar 
character  might  be  mentioned. 

The  loss  in  my  command  in  killed  and  wounded,  from  the  19th  to  the 
26th  of  September,  1864,  inclusive,  was  4  officers  and  54  enlisted  men 
killed,  and  25  officers  and  314  enlisted  men  wounded,  making  an  aggre 
gate  of  397  killed  and  wounded.  Hereto  appended  will  be  found  a  sum 
mary  of  casualties  by  regiments. 

Throughout  the  two  engagements,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Otho  H.  Binkley, 
Major  Aaron  Spangler,  110th  Ohio,  Colonel  Wm.  H.  Ball,  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  M.  M.  Granger,  and  Major  Chas.  M.  Cornyn,  122d  Ohio,  Captain 
G.  W.  Hoge,  126th  Ohio,  Captains  C.  K.  Prentice  and  J.  J.  Bradshaw,  6th 
Maryland,  and  Major  Chas.  Burgess,  9th  New  York  Heavy  Attillery, 
and  others,  displayed  great  bravery,  skill  and  energy  in  the  discharge  of 
their  important  duties.  Colonel  M.  R.  McClennan,  138th  Pennsylvania, 
remained  upon  the  field  at  Opequon  gallantly  doing  his  duty,  until  from 
exhaustion  he  was  obliged  to  go  to  the  rear.  He  was  weak  and  still 


32 

suffering  from  a  recent  illness.     One  or  two  officers  only  are  known  to 
deserve  censure  and  punishment  for  their  inefficiency  and  bad  conduct. 

1st  Lieutenant  John  A.  Gump,  A.  A.  A.  Gen'l.,  1st  Lieutenant  J.  T. 
Rorer,  Brigade  Inspector,  Captain  J.  P.  Dudrow,  Lieutenant  Chas.  N. 
Kuhn,  and  Lieutenant  R.  W.  Wiley,  A.  A.  D.  C.?s  on  my  staff,  were  con 
spicuous  for  bravery  and  good  conduct.  Their  promptness  in  the  de 
livery  of  orders,  and  skill  and  good  judgment  in  carrying  them  out, 
entitles  them  to  the  highest  praise.  The  already  great  length  of  this 
report  forbids  my  making  special  mention  of  acts  of  distinguished 
bravery  by  members  of  my  staff.  Captain  Dudrow  and  Lieutenants 
Gump  and  Ilorer  had  one,  and  Lieutenant  Wiley  two,  horses  shot  under 
them  while  in  the  discharge  of  their  duty. 

Orderly  Lewis  Paul,  126th  Ohio,  was  wounded  and  had  his  horse  killed 
under  him,  while  carrying  the  brigade  flag  in  the  Battle  of  Opequan. — 
Orderly  Lewis  Shreve,  Cth  Maryland,  also  had  a  horse  shot  under  him. — 
Orderly  Richard  Netz,  12Gth  Ohio,  and  those  just  named,  were  cool  and 
gallant. 

My  orders  were,  throughout,  received  from  Brigadier-General  J.  B. 
Ricketts,  Commanding  Division,  and  through  members  of  his  staff. 

To  General  Ricketts  and  each  member  of  his  staff  I  beg  to  acknowl 
edge  my  gratitude  and  obligations  for  their  kind  courtesy  and  uniform 
generous  treatment. 

Regimental  Reports  of  operations,  and  a  nominal  list  of  casualties,  are 
herewith  transmitted. 

I  am,  Captain,  very  truly  your  obedient  and  humble  servant. 

J.  WARRED  KEIFER, 
Colonel  110th  Ohio  Inf.,  Comd'g  Brigade. 

Captain  ANDREW  J.  SMITH, 

A.  A.  A.  Gen'l,  3d  Division,  6th  A.  C. 


General  Sheridan  moved  his  army  down  the  valley  to  Strasburg,  com 
mencing  the  movement  on  the  Gth  of  October,  and  arrived  on  the  8th. 

On  the  10th,  the  Gth  Corps  was  detached  and  sent  to  near  Front  Royal, 
and  on  the  13th  it  started  to  march  via  Ashbey's  Gap  to  Alexandria — 
destination,  Petersburg.  It  was  halted  at  night  of  that  day  at  White 
Post;  and  about  2  A.  M.  of  the  14th  started  by  a  forced  march  to  rejoin 
Sheridan's  Army,  then  at  Cedar  Creek,  near  Middletown.  On  the  same 
day  it  took  up  the  position  occupied  on  the  morning  of  the  memorable 
19th  of  October,  18G4.  The  importance  of  recalling  the  Gth  Corps  was 
demonstrated  on  that  day. 


33 

Battle  of  Cedar  Creek,  Va, 

HEADQUARTERS  3D  DIVISION,  GTH  A.  C.,) 

CAMP  BEFORE  PETERSBURG,  VA.,        > 

December  15th,  A.  D.,  1864.    } 

MAJOR — Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  in  compliance  with  orders, 
the  movements  and  operations  of  the  3d  Division,  6th  Army  Corps,  at 
tiie  Battle  of  Cedar  Creek.  Va.,  on  the  19th  of  October,  1864 : 

The  3d  Division,  6th  Army  Corps,  occupied  a  position  in  two  lines  on 
the  left  of  the  other  two  divisions  of  the  corps,  connecting  on  its  left 
with  the  right  of  the  19th  Corps.  The  19th  Corps  was  in  the  center  of 
the  army ;  the  8th  Corps,  or  Army  of  West  Virginia,  being  upon  the  ex 
treme  left, — the  whole  army  facing  Cedar  Creek.  The  troops  of  the 
division  were  to  the  right  of  the  turnpike  about  one-half  mile,  and  not 
to  exceed  one  and  one-half  miles  from  .Middletown.  Marsh  Run,  which 
in  places  was  difficult  to  cross,  flowed  through  a  ravine  a  very  short  dis 
tance  in  rear  of  the  division,  and  divided  the  main  body  of  the  troops  of 
the  19th  from  the  6th  Corps. 

The  troops  of  this  division  consisted  of  two  brigades,  commanded  pre 
vious  to  the  19th  of  October,  1864, 1st  Brigade  by  Colonel  Wra.  Emerson, 
151st  Xew  York  Volunteers;  2d  Brigade  by  myself;  and  the  Division  by 
Brigadier-General  Jas.  B.  Ricketts.  The  1st  Brigade  was  located  upon 
the  right,  and  2d  Brigade  upon  the  left,  of  the  Division.  The  aggregate 
strength  present  for  duty  in  line  was  one  hundred  and  fifty-one  (151) 
officers  and  thirty-eight  hundred  and  eighteen  (3818)  enlisted  men. 

On  the  morning  of  October  19th,  at  early  daybreak,  some  firing  was 
heard  upon  the  right  of  the  army,  and  soon  after,  rapid  firing  in  the  di 
rection  of  the  extreme  left  of  the  army.  Being  in  command  of  the  2d 
Brigade  at  that  time,  it  was  immediately  placed  under  arms,  tents  struck, 
wagons  packed,  and  preparations  made  for  meeting  any  emergency. 

Immediately  after  the  troops  were  formed  in  front  of  their  camps, 
Captain  A.  J.  Smith,  A.  A.  A.  Gen'l  3d  Division,  with  others  of  the  di 
vision  staff,  reported  to  me  with  orders  from  General  Ricketts  to  assume 
command  of  the  division,  General  Ricketts  having  assumed  command  of 
the  corps,  General  Wright  being  in  command  of  the  army.  I  at  once 
turned  over  the  command  of  the  2d  Brigade  to  Colonel  Wm.  H.  Ball,  122d 
Ohio,  and  assumed  command  of  the  division. 

The  firing  continued  to  grow  more  rapid  upon  the  left  of  the  army, 
and  it  soon  became  apparent  that  the  enemy  designed  to  bring  on  a  gen 
eral  engagement.  I  received  an  order  from  General  Ricketts  to  move 
the  division  to  the  turnpike,  and  commenced  the  movement ;  but  soon 
after  received  an  order  to  re-occupy  the  late  position  and  look  out  for  the 
right,  as  the  1st  and  2d  Divisions  of  the  corps  had  been  ordered  from  the 
right  across  the  stream  to  the  turnpike,  and  to  the  support  of  the  left  of  the 
army.  The  firing  continued  more  rapid  upon  the  left,  and  extended  to  the 
rear  parallel  with  the  turnpike  and  toward  Middletown.  The  troops 
upon  the  left  had  fallen  back  from  their  position  in  disorder ;  and  with 
small  bodies  of  cavalry,  army  wagons,  pack  animals,  &c.,  had  crossed 
Marsh  Run  and  were  rushing  through  the  lines  of  troops.  It  was  only 
by  the  greatest  exertions  of  officers  that  the  lines  could  be  preserved. 


34 

While  moving  the  troops  back  to  their  late  position,  orders  were  re 
ceived  to  take  the  hills  opposite  the  rear  of  the  camps  of  the  division. — 
When  this  order  was  received  the  enemy  had  gained  them,  and  a  portion 
of  my  command  had  opened  fire  upon  him.  Colonel  Ball  was  ordered  to 
take  the  position  with  his  brigade.  The  rear  line  of  the  2d  Brigade,  faced 
by  the  rear  rank,  was  ordered  to  charge  the  hills,  and  orders  were  given 
to  the  other  troops  of  the  division  to  follow  in  close  support.  The  troops 
advanced  in  excellent  order,  notwithstanding  a  heavy  tire  from  the 
enemy;  but  just  after  the  advance  had  crossed  the  stream  the  troops  of 
the  19th  Corps  broke  in  disorder  and  fell  back  along  the  stream,  and  in 
such  numbers  as  to  impede  the  further  progress  of  the  movement  and 
temporarily  throw  the  advance  line  into  some  confusion. 

Fearing  the  danger  of  getting  my  command  into  disorder,  and  at  the 
same  time  ascertaining  that  the  rebels  had  turned  the  left  of  the  army 
and  were  already  advancing  and  threatening  the  rear,  the  troops  were 
withdrawn  from  the  charge  and  a  rapid  fire  opened  upon  the  enemy, 
which  stopped  his  further'  progress  in  my  front.  So  great  were  the  num 
bers  of  broken  troops  of  the  other  corps  that  for  a  time  the  lines  had  to 
be  opened  at  intervals,  in  order  to  allow  them  to  pass  to  the  rear. 

In  consequence  of  the  necessary  movements  of  the  morning,  the  divi 
sions  of  the  6th  Corps  were  separated  and  were  obliged  to  fight  inde 
pendent  of  each  other.  The  3d  Division  having  faced  about,  became  the 
extreme  right  of  the  army. 

A  number  of  guns  belonging  to  the  Gth  Corps  were  posted  upon  the 
hills  on  my  left.  These  guns,  under  the  command  of  Captains  McKnight 
and  Adams,  and  under  the  direction  of  Colonel  Tompkins,  Chief  of  Ar 
tillery  of  the  Gth  Corps,  were  admirably  handled  and  rapidly  fired,  al 
though  under  a  close  and  heavy  fire  of  musketry.  After  over  one 
hundred  artillery  horses  had  been  shot,  the  enemy  succeeded  in  capturing 
a  portion  of  the  guns,  having  approached  under  cover  of  the  smoke  and 
fog  from  the  left,  which  was  unprotected.  A  charge  was  ordered  and 
the  guns  were  retaken,  three  of  which  were  drawn  off  by  hand.  Others 
were  left  in  consequence  of  being  disabled,  but  were  subsequently  re 
captured.  The  regiments  principally  engaged  in  this  charge  were  the 
10th  Vermont,  (of  the  1st  Brigade,)  commanded  by  Colonel  Wm.  II. 
Henry,  and  the  Gth  Maryland,  (of  the  2d  Brigade,)  commanded  by  Cap* 
tain  C.  K.  Prentiss.  Great  gallantry  was  displayed  in  this  charge  by 
officers  and  men.  The  rebels  were  fought  hand  to  hand  and  driven  from 
the  guns. 

A  position  was  taken  upon  the  crest  of  a  ridge  facing  the  enemy,  who 
by  this  time  had  thrown  a  force  across  Marsh  Run  near  its  mouth,  and 
was  advancing  along  Cedar  Creek  upon  my  right.  The  right  of  the  3d 
Division  was  extended  to  near  Cedar  Creek,  and  the  left  rested  a  short 
distance  from  Marsh  Run.  A  heavy  fire  was  kept  up  for  a  considerable 
period  of  time,  and  the  enemy  were  t\vice  driven  back  with  heavy  loss.— 
Orders  were  received  from  Major-General  AVright  in  person  to  charge 
forward  and  drive  the  enemy.  The  movement  was  commenced,  and  in 
consequence  of  the  disorder  into  which  the  enemy  had  previously  been 
thrown,  bid  fair  to  be  a  success ;  but  owing  to  the  enemy's  appearance  in 


35 

heavy  force  upon  the  left  flank  of  the  division,  the  charge  was  soon  sus 
pended  and  the  troops  withdrawn  slowly  to  a  new  position.  The  battle 
raged  with  great  fury,  the  line  slowly  retiring,  in  the  main  in  good  order, 
from  one  position  to  another.  My  line  was  at  no  time  driven  from  any 
position,  but  was  withdrawn  from  one  position  to  another  under  orders 
and  each  time  after  the  enemy  had  been  repulsed  in  all  attacks  from  the 
front. 

About  10  A.  M.,  the  troops  reached  a  road  that  ran  parallel  to  my  line 
in  id  at  right  angles  to  the  turnpike,  and  a  short  distance  to  the  rear  and 
right  of  Middletown.  The  troops  had  been  withdrawn  not  to  exceed 
one  and  one-half  miles  from  the  position  occupied  in  the  morning.  At 
this  hour  the  enemy  suspended  further  attacks,  but  concentrated  a  heavy 
artillery  lire  upon  the  troops.  In  retiring,  almost  all  the  wounded  of 
the  division  were  brought  off,  and  but  few  prisoners  were  lost. 

From  this  position  the  division  was  moved  under  orders  to  the  left, 
and  formed  connection  with  the  2cl  Division,  6th  Army  Corps.  After 
General  llicketts*  was  wounded,  Brigadier-General  G.  W.  Getty  assumed 
command  of  the  corps,  from  whom  I  received  orders.  The  1st  Division, 
commanded  }>y  Brigadier-General  Frank  Wheaton,  was  formed  upon 
my  right.  Many  of  the  troops  thrown  into  disorder  early  in  the  en 
gagement  were  reformed  and  brought  into  line.  Those  of  the  19th  Corps 
were  formed  upon  the  right  of  the  army. 

It  was  known  about  lO^g  A.  M.,  that  Major-General  Sheridan  had  ar 
rived  upon  the  field,  and  had  assumed  command  of  the  army.  Major- 
General  Wright  resumed  command  of  the  6th  Army  Corps. 

Unfortunately,  Colonel  Emerson,  commanding  the  1st  Brigade,  failed 
to  keep  connection  with  the  2d  Brigade  of  the  division  during  a  march 
to  the  rear,  in  consequence  of  which  some  delay  took  place  in  getting 
into  proper  position.  As  soon  as  a  position  was  taken  up,  a  heavy  line 
of  skirmishers  was  ordered  forward  from  the  2d  Brigade,  to  cover  the 
front  of  the  division.  Colonel  Ball,  commanding  2d  Brigade,  accordingly 
ordered  forward  the  110th  Ohio  and  138th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  un 
der  command  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Otho  H.  Binkley.  They  took  up  a 
position  about  three  hundred  yards  to  the  front,  and  along  the  outskirts 
of  :i  wood.  Desultory  tiring  and  skirmishing  was  kept  up. 

The  enemy,  about  1.  P.  M.,  attempted  another  advance,  and  after  a  brisk 
tight  with  the  skirmishers,  caused  them  to  fall  back  to  the  main  line. — 
The  attack  was  then  immediately  repulsed,  and  the  skirmishers  retook 
their  former  position.  A  small  detachment  of  the  Army  of  West  Vir 
ginia,  under  command  of  Colonel  R.  B.  Hays,  of  the  23d  Ohio,  was  formed 
upon  the  left  of  the  3d  Division,  and  connected  with  the  right  of  the  2d 
Division,  6th  Army  Corps,  the  left  of  which  rested  upon  the  valley  turn 
pike,  about  one  mile  in  rear  of  Middletown.  The  troops  remained  in 
position  until  15  minutes  past  3  P.  M.,  when  a  general  advance  was  made, 
the  order  to  do  so  having  been  received  by  me  from  Major-General 
Wright.  Immediately  after  the  advance  commenced,  the  troops  of  the 
Army  of  West  Virginia  were  withdrawn  from  the  line,  leaving  a  short 


-General  Ricketts  was  wounded,  about  7  A.  M.,  through  the  right  shoulder  and 
chest,  but  has  since  partially  recovered. 


36 
<&•&/ 

interval  between  the  *»gfet  of  my  line  and  that  ol  General  G.  W.  Getty, 
commanding  2d  Division.  In  accordance  with  instructions  of  Major- 
General  Wright,  my  line  was  ordered  to  dress  to  the  left,  in  the  general 
advance,  and  close  up  all  intervals.  Specific  instructions  were  given  by 
me  to  brigade  commanders  to  dress  their  troops  to  the  left  in  the  advance, 
leave  no  intervals,  and  to  be  careful  to  avoid  dressing  them  too  rapidly 
and  closely.  The  troops  were  in  one  line  of  battle,  and  without  reserves. 
When  the  advance  commenced,  the  division  moved  forward  in  gallant 
style  and  very  rapidly.  It  soon  encountered^the  enemy  in  great  strength, 
and  \vell  posted.  The  enemy  opened  a  deadly  lire  with  artillery  and 
musketry  upon  the  troops ;  but  for  a  time  they  continued  the  advance, 
although  suffering  heavy  losses. 

The  order  to  avoid  massing  the  troops  in  the  advance  was  not  complied 
with  by  the  1st  Brigade,  the  troops  of  which,  after  coming  under  fire, 
dressed  hastily  and  in  some  confusion  to  the  left,  and  soon  became  massed 
behind  and  merged  into  troops  of  the  2d  Brigade.  In  addition  to  the 
confusion  that  necessarily  ensued,  the  right  was  left  unprotected.  The 
greater  portion  of  the  division,  after  returning  the  enemy's  fire  vigor 
ously  for  a  short  time,  temporarily  gave  way.  To  the  failure  to  keep  the 
troops  properly  dressed,  and  to  the  fact  that  the  3d  Division  moved  for 
ward  too  rapidly  and  in  advance  of  the  troops  upon  its  right,  I  mainly 
attribute  the  failure  to  succeed  in  this  first  advance.  The  troops  on  my 
left  also  temporarily  gave  way.  The  division  lost  very  heavily  in  this 
attack.  Not  to  exceed  five  minutes  elapsed  before  the  troops  had  been 
halted  and  \vere  again  charging  forward.  The  enemy  this  time  gave 
way,  and  were  forced  back  several  hundred  yards,  where  they  again  took 
up  a  position  behind  a  stone  fence  upon  the  face  of  a  hill  sloping  toward 
my  troops.  The  division  charged  forward  to  a  stone  fence  which  was 
parallel  to  the  enemy's  position,  and  about  two  hundred  and  fifty  yards 
distant  therefrom.  An  open  field  lay  between  the  opposing  troops.  A 
stone  wall  extended  at  right  angles  from  the  right  of  my  line  to  the  left 
of  the  enemy's.  A  sharp  and  fierce  musketry  fire  was  kept  up  between 
the  contending  forces  for  about  three  quarters  of  an  hour. 

Orders  were  received  from  Major-General  Wright  in  person  to  charge 
the  enemy's  position.  Preparatory  to  giving  the  order  for  the  division 
to  charge,  I  ordered  Colonel  Emerson  to  send  a  competent  staff  officer 
with  volunteer  soldiers  along  and  under  cover  of  the  stone  wall  upon 
the  right  of  the  line,  with  directions  to  throw  themselves  upon  the  ene 
my's  left  and  open  an  enfilading  fire  upon  him.  This  order  was  imme 
diately  carried  out,  and  had  the  desired  effect.  Captain  II.  W.  Day,  151st 
New  York  Volunteers,  and  Brigade  Inspector  of  the  1st  Brigade,  was 
charged  with  the  execution  of  the  order.  His  gallant  conduct  on  that 
occasion  was  highly  meritorious,  and  he  deserves  promotion  for  it. — 
Lieutenant-Colonel  M.  M.  Granger,  122d  Ohio,  volunteered  to  assist  in 
this  strategic  movement.  As  soon  as  troops  could  reach  the  flank  of  the 
enemy,  the  division  poured  a  destructive  fire  upon  the  rebels,  and  at 
once  charged  across  the  open  ground,  driving  them  in  utter  rout  from 
their  position.  A  considerable  number  of  prisoners  were  taken  jin  this 
charge ;  also  small  arms,  and  two  battle  flags.  Leander  McClurg,  122d 


37 

Ohio,  captured  the  battle  flag  of  what  he  supposed  to  have  been  the  44th 
Jlcbel  Virginia  Regiment,  which  he  was  forced  to  give  up  to  a  staff  offi 
cer,  not  since  recognized  by  him.  Corporal  Daniel  P.  Reigler,  87th 
Pennsylvania,  captured  a  battle  flag  from  a  color  bearer  of  the  enemy. 

The  enemy  retreated  precipitately,  throwing  away  guns,  accoutre 
ments,  &c.,  in  his  flight.  He  was  closely  pusured  by  the  infantry  to  and 
across  Cedar  Creek.  His  columns  were  completely  routed,  disorganized 
and  demoralized.  Troops  of  this  division  were  the  first  to  plant  colors 
upon  the  works  along  Cedar  Creek  which  had  been  abandoned  by  the  8th 
and  19th  Corps  in  the  morning. 

The  cavalry  of  the  army  was  hurled  upon  the  broken  and  flying  troops 
of  the  enemy  after  he  had  crossed  Cedar  Creek. .  Night  came  on,  and  the 
infantry  gave  up  the  pursuit.  Some  abandoned  and  disabled  guns  and 
caissons  of  the  corps  were  retaken  on  the  ground  upon  which  they  had 
been  left  in  the  morning.  The  cavalry  in  its  pursuit  of  the  enemy  cap 
tured  many  of  the  substantial  fruits  of  the  great  victory  which  had  been 
so  richly  earned  by  the  hard  fighting  of  the  Infantry  Soldiers.  The  loss 
in  killed  and  wounded  of  the  cavalry,  compared  to  that  in  the  infantry, 
was  light,  which  of  itself  proves  upon  wThorn  the  burden  of  the  battle 
rested  and  was  borne. 

At  dark  the  troops  under  orders  went  into  their  respective  camps,  from 
which  they  had.  been  called  up  in  the  morning.  Many  officers  and  sol 
diers  spent  the  night  in  ministering  to  their  wounded  and  dying  com 
rades.  Instances  were  not  a  few  where  the  miscreant  enemy  had  stripped 
the  persons  of  our  wounded  of  clothing,  and  left  them  without  covering 
upon  the  ground.  The  bodies  of  the  dead  were  generally  robbed  of  all 
clothing  and  effects.  It  may  be  said,  however,  that  many  of  the  bodies 
of  the  enemy's  dead  had  been  robbed  and  stripped  by  his  own  troops. — 
A  rebel  officer  was  killed,  upon  whose  body  was  found,  clothing  and  other 
private  effects  of  Captain  E.  M.  K*uhl,  87th  Pennsylvania,  who  was  mor 
tally  wounded  in  the  morning. 


Considering  the  unfortunate  circumstances  under  which  the  battle 
commenced  in  the  morning,  and  its  long  and  sanguinary  character,  too 
much  praise  cannot  be  given  to  officers  and  soldiers. 

Colonel  AVr.  H.  Ball,  commanding  2d  Brigade,  showed  superior  judg 
ment,  coolness,  skill  and  gallantry.  Colonel  Wm.  H.  Henry,  10th  Ver 
mont,  Lieutenant-Colonels  M.  M.  Granger,  122d,  and  Otho  H.  Binkley, 
110th  Ohio,  Jas.  W.  Snyder,  9th  New  York  Heavy  Artillery,  and  Majors 
Wm.  r>.  Ferguson,  184th  New  York,  Charles  Burgess,  9th  N.  Y.  Heavy 
Artillery,  Charles  M.  Corny n,  122dOhio,  and  Aaron  Spangler,  110th  Ohio, 
together  with  many  others,  were  particularly  efficient  in  the  discharge 
of  their  duties. 

It  is  impossible  to  mention  names  of  the  many  who  displayed  acts  of 
distinguished  gallantry. 

The  9th  N.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery  and  a  battalion  of  the  184th  N.  Y.  Vol 
unteers,  commanded  respectively  by  Major  (now  Lieutenant-Colonel) 
Jas.  W.  Snyder  and  Major  W.  D.  Ferguson,  for  their  noble  behavior,  de- 


38 

serve  to  be  specially  mentioned.  The  former  regiment  had  several  hund 
red  recruits  and  conscripts  who  had  just  entered  the  service.  The  bat 
talion  of  the  184th  N".  Y.  had  never  before  been  engaged. 

It  is  painful  to  mention  the  bad  conduct  of  Lieutenant-Colonel  Charles 
G.  Chandler,  10th  Vermont,  Major  Geo.  W.  Voorhees,  126th  Ohio,  and 
Captain  Gilbert  H.  Barger,  122d  Ohio  Volunteers.  These  officers  shame 
fully  deserted  their  comrades  in  arms,  and  went  to  the  rear  without 
authority  or  good  cause.  Captain  Barger  had  just  received  a  leave  of 
absence.  He  abandoned  his  company  while  it  was  in  actual  combat  with 
the  enemy,  and  under  his  leave  of  absence,  attempted  to  shield  himself 
from  shame  and  disgrace. 


Staff  officers  of  brigades  were  very  efficient  in  the  per  form  ;ii  ice  of 
their  duties.  Lieutenants  John  A.  Gump,  A.  A.  A.  Gen.,  J.T.  Rorer. 
(now  Captain,)  Brigade  Inspector,  K.  W.  Wiley,  A.  A.  1).  C.,  2U  Brigade, 
and  Captains  Charles  II.  Leonard.  A.  A.  Gen.,  II.  W.  Day.  Brigade  In 
spector  1st  Brigade,  are  among  the  most  conspicuous.  Lieutenant  Gump 
was  mortally  wounded,  and  has  since  died. 


Captains  Edward  M.  Ruhl,  87th  Pennsylvania.  1>.  I).  Thompson,  10th 
Vermont,  and  Orson  Howard,  9th  N.  V.  Heavy  Artillery  ;  also.  Lieuten 
ants  W.  B.  Rose,  14th  N.  J.,  August  Phillips,  184th  N.  Y.,  Orson  B. 
Carpenter  and  John  Oldswager,  Oth  X.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  and  Thomas 
Kilburn,  122d  Ohio,  were  killed  while  valiantly  discharging  their  duties. 

Captain  Wesley  Devenney,  110th  Ohio,  and  others  of  the  division,  have 
since  died  of  their  wounds. 

Lieutenant  R.  W.  Wiley,  A.  A.  D.  C.  on  2d  Brigade  Staff,  was  the  only 
officer  captured  in  the  division.  He,  mistaking  the  location  of  troops, 
rode  into  the  enemy's  lines. 


Of  the  good  conduct  of  the  division  staff  I  cannot  speak  in  too  high 
terms.  Captain  Andrew  J.  Smith,  A.  A.  A.  Gen.,  throughout  the  whole 
action  displayed  great  bravery,  skill  and  judgment.  Captain  Osgood  V. 
Tracy,  Division  Inspector,  Captain  George  B.  Damon,  Judge  Advocate 
of  Division,  and  Captain  Anson  S.  Wood,  Chief  of  Pioneers,  each  carried 
orders  faithfully  and  gallantly  in  the  thickest  of  the  battle.  Each  mem 
ber  of  the  division  staff  was  especially  efficient  and  active  in  preserving- 
lines,  keeping  up  and  urging  on  the  troops. 

Captain  George  J.  Oaks,  Acting  Ordnance  Officer  of  Division,  deserves 
much  credit  for  his  energy  and  efficiency  in  supplying  the  troops  with 
ammunition. 

Robert  Barr,  67th  Pennsylvania,  Chief  Surgeon  of  the  Division,  W.  A. 
Childs,  10th  Vermont,  and  Wm,  M.  Houston,  122d  Ohio,  Chief  Surgeons 


39 

of  Brigades,  with  the  other  medical  officers  of  the  division,  deserve  high 
commendation  for  their  great  skill  and  energy  in  taking  care  of  and 
ministering  to  the  many  wounded. 

Forty- three  officers  and  six   hundred    and  thirty-two  enlisted  men 
were  killed  and  wounded  in  the  division. 

A  summary  of  casualties  by  divis*efts»is  hereto  appended.  > 

Copies  of  brigade  and  regimental  reports  are  herewith  transmitted. 

I  am,  Major,  with  high  esteem,  your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

J.  WARREN  KEIFER, 
Colonel  110th  Ohio  Vols.,  Brevet  Brig.-Gen. 

Major  0.  A.  WHITTIER,  A.  A.  Gen.,  6th  A.  C. 


Brigadier-General  T.  Seymour  relieved  me  of  the  command  of  the  3d 
Division,  6th  Corps,  October  29th,  18G4,  and  I  again  assumed  command  of 
the  2d  Brigade. 

On  the  7th  of  November,  the  Army  of  the  Shenandoah  moved  and  en 
camped  near  Kearnstown,  Va,,  (Camp  Russell.)  my  brigade  occupying 
the  extreme  right  of  the  infantry.  Some  forts  and  earthworks  were 
constructed  by  the  brigade.  The  enemy  made  a  feint  attack  on  the  13th . 

My  command  constructed  winter  quarters,  but  evacuated  them  on  the 
morning  of  the  3d  of  December,  marched  to  and  shipped  from  Steven 
son's  Depot  by  rail  for  Washington  City.  At  Washington  the  brigade 
embarked  on  steamboats,  sailed  at  12  M.  on  the  4th  for  City  Point,  and 
arrived  at  that  place  at  12  M.,  on  the  5th  of  Dec-ember,  being  the  advance 
of  the  corps.  On  the  7th,  the  brigade  relieved  a  portion  of  the  5th  Corps 
on  the  front  line,  and  went  into  camp,  its  right  resting  upon  the  Weldon 
Railroad,  extending  to  the  left  of  it,  so  as  to  include  Forts  Wadsworth 
and  Keene. 

On  the  night  of  the  9th,  the  greater  part  of  the  brigade,  with  other 
troops,  went  upon  an  expedition  to  Hatcher's  Run;  but  returned  on  the 
night  of  the  10th  to  its  old  camp,  where  it  remained  until  Februray  9th, 
1805,  building  winter  quarters,  drilling,  and  performing  heavy  guard 
and  picket  duty.  The  138th  Pennsylvania  garrisoned  Fort  Dushane,  on 
the  rear  line,  from  the  time  of  its  arrival  with  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
until  April  1st,  1865. 

On  the  9th  of  February,  the  brigade  again  moved,  and  relieved  a  por 
tion  of  the  5th  Corps  near  the  Squirrel  Level  Road,  and  on  that  part  of 
the  line  including  Forts  Fisher,  Welch  and  Gregg.  Here  the  brigade 
again  constructed  winter  quarters.  It  also  performed  much  garrison, 
guard,  picket  and  fatigue  duty.  From  this  time  forward,  one-tenth  of 
the  command  was  kept  in  the  trenches  and  forts,  by  day  and  night,  and 


40 

very  heavy  garrisons  were  kept  in  the  fort,  under  arms,  at  night.  The 
camps  and  quarters  were  within  easy  musket  range  of  the  enemy's  outer 
line  of  works,  and  in  full  view  of  his  camps. 

All  possible  pains  were  taken  to  fully  drill  and  equip  the  command  for 
the  final  struggle,  which  was  believed  to  be  at  hand. 

The  pickets  of  the  enemy  in  front  of  Fort  Welch  were  as  near  to  ours 
as  one  hundred  yards.  Picket  iiring  was  seldom  indulged  in  until  after 
March  25th.  The  men  mingled  together  between  the  lines  in  procuring 
fuel.  A  large  number  of  deserters  came  into  our  lines  as  the  time  tor 
active  operations  approached.  Notwithstanding  the  many  changes. 
hardships,  privations  and  sufferings  required  of  officers  and  men,  all 
were  unusually  cheerful  and  buoyant  in  spirits.  Murmuring  there  was 
some;  but  when  the  time  for  battle  arrived,  that,  too,  ceased. 


Battle  in  front  of  Petersburg,  March,  1865, 

HEADQUARTERS  2D  BRIGADE,  3D  DIVISION,  GTII  CORPS  J 

CAMP  AT  BURKEVILLE,  VIRGINIA,  > 

April  16th,  A.  D.,  1805.    ) 

MAJOR  :  I  have  the  honor  to  transmit  the  following  report  of  the  part 
taken  by  this  brigade  on  the  25th  of  March,  1865,  in  the  charge  upon  and 
capture  of  the  enemy 's  entrenched  picket  line,  near  Forts  Fisher  and 
Welsh,  in  front  of  Petersburg,  Virginia : 

This  brigade,  save  the  138th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  occupied  the 
line  of  works  including  Forts  Fisher,  Welsh  and  Gregg,  and  about  three 
quarters  of  a  mile  from  the  enemy's  fortifications.  The  enemy's  picket 
line  was  strongly  entrenched,  and  manned  by  an  unusually  large  num 
ber  of  men. 

About  1  P.  M.,  on  the  25th  ult.,  I  received  an  order  from  Brigadier- 
General  T.  Seymour,  •  commanding  division,  to  send  two  regiments  to 
support  our  picket  line  in  an  attack  upon  the  picket  line  of  the  enemy. 
I  accordingly  directed  the  110th  Ohio  and  122d  Ohio  Regiments,  com 
manded  respectively  by  Brevet  Colonel  O.  H.  Binkley  and  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  C.  M.  Cornyn,  to  move  outside  the  works  for  the  purpose  ordered. 
Colonel  Binkley  was  ordered  to  take  command  of  both  regiments.  The 
pickets  of  our  division  were  composed  of  troops  from  the  10th  Vermont 
and  14th  New  Jersey  Regiments  of  the  1st  Brigade.  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Damon,  10th  Vermont  Volunteers,  had  been  charged  with  the  movement 
of  the  picket.  The  attack  was  made,  but  the  greater  portion  of  the 
picket  line  failed  to  advance.  The  two  Ohio  regiments  moved  forward  : 
but  being  unsupported  on  either  flank,  they  halted  before  reaching  the 
enemy's  line,  and  subsequently  retired  to  our  own  entrenched  line.  Both 
regiments  met  with  considerable  loss.  Orders  were  then  received  by  me 
to  take  charge  of  the  troops  in  person,  and  make  the  desired  capture. 


41 

1  at  once  moved  out  the  67th  Pennsylvania  Regiment,  one  battalion 
Dth  X.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  and  portions  of  the  Gth  Maryland  and  126th 
Ohio  Regiments,  and  under  a  severe  fire  from  the  enemy,  pushed  them 
forward  to  our  entrenched  line,  preparatory  to  making  the  charge.  At  3 
P.  M.,  at  a  given  signal,  the  troops  charged,  and  without  halting  to  fire, 
passed  over  the  enemy's  line,  capturing  over  two  hundred  (200)  prisoners. 
In  the  last  charge,  the  pickets  from  the  10th  Vermont  moved  forward  in 
good  style. 

Colonel  B.  F.  Smith,  126th  Ohio,  Brevet  Colonel  O.  II.  Binkley,  110th 
Ohio,  Lieutenant  Colonels  C.  M.  Cornyn,  122d  Ohio  and  James  W.  Snyder, 
Dth  N.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  and  Major  C.  K.  Prentiss,  6th  Maryland,  led 
their  men  with  great  gallantry. 

Brevet  Lieutenant-Colonel  Aaron  Spangler,  110th  Ohio  Volunteers,  re 
ceived  a  severe  wound  in  the  leg  while  gallantly  urging  the  men  forward 
in  the  last  charge.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Damon,  10th  Vermont  Volunteers, 
did  his  duty  nobly.  Captain  Simon  Dickerhoof,  138th  Pennsylvania  Vol 
unteers,  who  was  division  officer  of  the  day  at  that  time,  showed  great 
coolness  and  gallantry. 

Notwithstanding  a  heavy  artillery  fire  from  the  enemy's  guns  concen 
trated  upon  the  troops,  the  captured  line  was  held.  It  subsequently 
proved  to  be  of  great  benefit  to  the  corps,  by  enabling  troops  to  be 
formed  behind  it  for  an  assault  upon  the  enemy's  works. 

Copies  of  regimental  reports  are  herewith  transmitted. 

A  summary  of  casualties  is  hereto  appended. 

I  am,  Major,  your  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

J.  WARREN  KEIFER, 
Brevet  Brigadier-General,  Comd'g. 

Brevet  Major  O.  V.  TRACY, 

Act.  Asst.  Ad't  Gen.,  3d  Division,  Gth  Corps. 


Battle  in  front  of  Petersburg,  Va.j  April  2d,  1865, 

HEADQUARTERS  2D  BRIGADE,  3D  DIVISION,  6TH  A.  C.,) 

CAMP  AT  BURKEVILLE,  VA.,        > 

April  14th,  A.  D.,  1865.    } 

MAJOR  :  In  compliance  with  orders,  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the 
operations  of  this  brigade  on  the  2d  inst.,  in  the  assault  upon  the  enemy's 
works  and  in  the  engagement  in  front  of  Petersburg,  Va. : 

Previous  to  the  2d  inst.,  my  command,  with  the  exception  of  the  138th 
Pennsylvania,  occupied  the  line  of  works  from  Fort  Fisher  to  Fort  Gregg, 
inclusive  of  the  forts  named ;  and  also  Fort  Welch,  which  was  about  the 
center  of  the  brigade.  The  138th  Pennsylvania  occupied  Fort  Dushane, 
on  the  rear  line,  near  the  Weldon  Railroad. 

The  brigade  was  formed  for  the  assault  to  the  front  and  left  of  Fort 
Welch,  about  3  A.  M.,  in  three  lines  of  battle,  with  the  right  resting  at 
an  almost  impassable  swamp  and  ravine,  which  separated  it  from  the  left 
of  the  2d  Division,  6th  A.  C.  The  1st  Brigade  of  the  3d  Division  was 


42 

formed  upon  the  left  of  my  brigade.  The  brigade  was  formed  just  in 
rear  of  the  old  entrenched  picket  line  of  the  enemy,  which  had  been 
taken  from  him  on  the  25th  ult. 

Much  difficulty  was  experienced  in  getting  the  troops  formed,  in  con 
sequence  of  the  darkness  and  the  deep  swamp  to  be  passed  through,  and 
also  a  severe  and  annoying  fire  from  the  enemy.  A  number  of  men  were 
killed,  and  a  number  of  officers  and  men  were  wounded,  during  the 
formation  of  the  troops :  notwithstanding  which  the  troops  preserved 
good  order,  and  remained  cool  and  steady. 

The  110th  and  122d  Ohio  and  6th  Maryland  Regiments  were  formed  in 
the  front  line,  from  right  to  left  in  the  order  named.  The  9th  N.  Y.  Heavy 
Artillery  constituted  the  2d  line,  and  the  122d  Ohio,  138th  and  67th  Penn 
sylvania  Regiments  were  formed  in  the  rear  line,  from  right  to  left,  in 
the  order  named. 

The  signal  to  assault  the  enemy's  works  was  given  by  direction  of 
Major-General  Wright,  at  precisely  4  A.  M.,  by  discharging  a  piece  of 
artillery  at  Fort  Fisher.  Immediately  after  the  signal  wras  given,  the 
troops  in  the  front  line  moved  forward  upon  the  enemy's  outer  works, 
which  were  held  by  a  strong  line  of  pickets,  and  captured  them ;  and 
without  halting  or  discharging  a  piece,  although  receiving  a  heavy  fire, 
the  whole  command  moved  upon  the  main  works.  'Not  even  a  temporary 
check  transpired  in  passing  through  and  over  the  double  lines  of  abattis, 
ditch  and  strong  earthworks.  A  hand  to  hand  fight  ensued  within  the 
main  works,  in  which  many  gallant  officers  and  men  fell  killed  and 
wounded.  The  rebels  in  our  front  were  soon  killed,  wrounded,  captured 
or  dispersed.  Although  the  enemy  had  a  large  amount  of  artillery  in 
the  works  in  our  front,  we  suffered  but  little  from  it.  The  whole  of  his 
artillery  in  our  front  fell  into  our  hands  immediately  upon  our  entering 
the  works. 

This  brigade  assaulted  the  enemy  just  to  the  left  (the  enemy's  right) 
of  a  salient  angle  in  his  line  of  works.  After  gaining  an  entrance  within 
the  works,  the  enemy  were  still  firing  over  them  to  our  right  and  upon  the 
1st  and  2d  Divisions  of  the  6th  A.  C.,  but  in  a  few  moments  were  driven 
from  their  entire  line  of  works  in  front  of  the  corps.  This  brigade  cap 
tured  ten  pieces  of  artillery  immediately  after  entering  the  enemy's 
works,  for  which  it  received  receipts ;  also,  a  large  number  of  prisoners, 
three  battle  flags,  and  Major-General  Heath's  division  headquarters  flag. 

The  troops  of  the  brigade  were  in  some  confusion  after  entering  the 
works,  but  the  main  body  was  at  once  directed  along  the  enemy's  forti 
fications  to  the  left,  and  upon  a  strong  fort  containing  four  pieces  of  ar 
tillery,  which  was  soon  captured.  Although  a  number  of  troops  of  the 
division  were  hurried  to  this  fort,  yet  when  attacked  by  the  enemy,  they 
were,  owing  to  their  unorganized  condition,  driven  back,  and  the  fort 
was  retaken  and  held  by  the  rebels  a  very  short  time. 

At  this  juncture,  I  directed  Major  Wm.  Wood  and  Brevet  Major  S.  B. 
Lamereaux,  9th  N".  Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  to  place  in  position  a  four  gun 
battery  captured  from  the  enemy,  which  they  were  prompt  in  doing,  and 
fired  it  with  good  effect. 


43 

A  portion  of  the  122d  Ohio  and  138th  Pennsylvania  Regiments,  after 
passing  over  the  works,  continued  directly  forward  across  the  Boydton 
Plank  Road  to  a  camp  of  the  enemy,  some  distance  in  the  rear  of  the 
fortifications,  where  they  captured  a  large  number  of  prisoners.  Some 
of  the  troops  continued  as  far  to  the  northward  as  the  Southside  Rail 
road,  and  destroyed  the  telegraph  and  tore  up  the  rails  on  the  Southside 
Road.  Upon  their  return,  CorporalJohn  W.  Mouk  and  private  Daniel 
VVolford,  Co.  "F,"  138th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  became  separated 
from  the  other  troops.  Two  mounted  men  with  pistols  in  their  hands 
rode  upon  them  and  demanded  their  surrender,  wThich  was  refused.  The 
mounted  men  told  them  that  other  troops  were  coming  upon  them.  The 
Corporal  and  private  deliberately  fired  upon  the  mounted  men,  the  Cor 
poral  killing  one  of  them ;  the  other  escaped.  The  Corporal  and  his 
comrade,  fearing  that  others  of  the  enemy  were  near  at  hand,  retreated 
to  the  main  body  of  the  troops.  From  the  manner  in  which  it  is  known 
that  Lieutenant-General  A.  P.  Hill  was  killed,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that 
Corporal  Mouk  killed  him.  One  of  General  Hill's  staff  officers,  who  was 
near  him  when  he  was  shot,  locates  the  place  of  his  death  where  the  Cor 
poral  related  that  he  had  shot  an  officer,  before  the  death  of  General  Hill 
was  known  to  him. 

As  soon  as  the  recaptured  fort  was  again  retaken  by  us,  the  main  body 
of  the  troops  of  the  brigade,  with  the  other  troops  of  the  division,  swept 
along  the  enemy's  fortifications  to  the  left  as  far  as  Hatcher's  Run,  and 
small  parties  of  the  brigade,  with  the  brigade  sharpshooters,  crossed'it 
and  captured  a  large  number  of  prisoners.  Twelve  pieces  of  artillery 
were  captured  during  this  movement  to  the  left  by  the  troops  of  the  3d 
Division.  Captain  Wm.  L.  Shaw,  with  a  small  party  of  men,  captured  a 
four  gun  battery  and  over  fifty  prisoners,  near  Hatcher's  Run.  The  pris 
oners  were  brought  away  and  the  guns  were  turned  over  to  Brevet 
Brigadier-General  Harris's  brigade,  in  the  24th  Army  Corps.  As  the 
prisoners  were  all  hastened  to  the  rear,  I  am  unable  to  approximate  to 
the  number  captured  by  this  brigade. 

From  Hatcher's  Run  the  troops  were  hastened  back  to  the  place  where 
the  attack  was  first  made,  whence  the  division  was  sent  to  the  front,  and 
formed  fronting  Petersburg,  and  upon  the  left  and  in  support  of  the  9th 
Army  Corps. 

Particular  mention  has  already  been  made,  in  a  separate  report,  of  the 
gallantry  of  officers ;  but  it  is  due  to  Col.  M.  R.  McClennan,  138th  Penn., 
Lieut.-Cols.  Charles  M.  Cornyn,  122d  Ohio,  and  Jas.  W.  Snyder,  9th  N. 
Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  Majors  Clifton  K.  Prentiss,  6th  Maryland,  Wm.  and 
Anson  Wood,  and  Brevet  Major  S.  B.  Lamereaux,  9th  X.  Y.  Heavy  Ar 
tillery,  that  their  brilliant  services  should  be  acknowledged  here.  Major 
Prentiss,  6th  Maryland,  with  a  large  portion  of  his  regiment,  was  the 
first  to  penetrate  the  enemy's  works,  where,  after  a  most  bloody  struggle, 
he  fell  severely  if  not  mortally  wounded.*  Five  other  officers  of  the  6th 


-Major  Prentiss  was  wounded  at  the  same  time  his  brother,  an  officer  in  the 
rebel  army,  received  a  mortal  wound.  They  -fell  side  by  side,  and  recognized  each 
other.  They  were  nursed  and  cared  for  in  the  same  hospital.  The  former  died  in 
August,  1865,  and  the  latter  in  June  of  the  same  year. 


44 

Maryland  were  wounded  very  soon  after  entering  the  fortifications.  Too 
much  praise  cannot  be  given  the  officers  and  men  of  this  regiment. 

So  nearly  at  the  same  time  were  the  colors  of  the  110th  Ohio,  9th  N.  Y. 
Heavy  Artillery,  67th  Pennsylvania  and  6th  Maryland,  placed  upon  the 
enemy's  works,  that  each  claims  the  honor  of  being  the  first.  Captain 
Win.  D.  Shellenberger,  110th  Ohio,  received  a  severe  wound  in  the  arm 
while  advancing  upon  the  enemy's  works.  Captain  H.  H  Stevens, 
110th  Ohio,  was  shot  dead  after  entering  the  fortifications.  Captains 
George  H.  Boyer,  HOh  Ohio,  J.  W.  Moft'at  and  C.  E.  Patterson,  126th 
Ohio,  J.  J,  Bradshaw,  6th  Maryland,  and  Charles  Gibson,  122d  Ohio,  are 
among  the  many  who  especially  distinguished  themselves  on  that  day. 

Sergt.  Francis  H.  McMillen,  Co.  C,  and  private  Isaac  James,  Co.  H,  110th 
Ohio,  and  private  Milton  Blickendefer,  Co.  E,  126th  Ohio,  each  captured 
battle  flags.  Private  George  Loyd,  Co.  "  A,"  122d  Ohio,  captured  Maj.- 
Gen.  Heath's  division  headquarters  flag.  Sergeant  Judah  Taylor,  Co.  "A," 
9th  N.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  is  reported  by  his  regimental  commander  as 
having  captured  a  battle  flag,  which  he  gave  up  to  two  officers,  whose 
names  are  not  known  to  him.  The  names  of  many  other  enlisted  men 
might,  in  justice  to  them,  be  mentioned.  They  have  already  been  named 
in  a  separate  report. 

Captain  William  L.  Shaw,  Acting  Assistant  Adjutant-General  of  this 
brigade,  and  other  members  of  the  brigade  staf£  deserve  special  mention 
for  their  good  conduct. 

Captain  Harrison  D.  Yarmett,  122d  Ohio  Volunteers,  who  commanded 
the  brigade  sharpshooters,  was  particularly  efficient  and  active.  He 
showed  superior  skill  and  judgment. 

My  orders  for  the  day's  operations  were  received  from  and  through 
Brigadier-General  T.  Seymour,  who  in  person  accompanied  the  troops 
in  the  assault.  Major-General  Wright  and  Brigadier-General  Seymour 
were  present  with  the  troops,  directing  the  operations  of  the  day. 

Copies  of  regimental  reports  are  herewith  transmitted. 

A  numerical  list  of  casualties  is  hereto  annexed. 

I  am,  Major,  your  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

J.  WARKEX  KEIFER, 
Brevet  Brigadier-General  Volunteers, 

Brevet  Major  O.  V.  TRACY, 

A.  A.  A.  Gen.,  3d  Division,  6th  A.  C. 


Battle  of  Sailor's  Creek  and  Surrender  of  General  Lee's  Army, 

HEADQUARTERS  2D  BRIGADE,  3D  DIVISION,  6xn  CORPS  J 

CAMP  AT  BURKEVILLE,  VIRGINIA,  > 

April  18th,  A.  D.,  1865.    ) 
MAJOR  :     In  obedience  to  orders,  I  have  the  honor  to  forward  a  report 

of  the  movements  and  operations  of  this  brigade  from  the  3d  to  the  13th 

of  April,  1865,  inclusive : 
After  the  movements  and  operations  of  the  2d  inst.,  the  brigade  bi- 

vouaced  for  the  night  in  front  of  Petersburg,  Virginia.     Early  on  the 


45 

morning  of  the  3d,  it  was  ascertained  that  Petersburg  was  evacuated  on 
the  night  previous  by  the  rebel  army,  and  reports  were  received,  which 
proved  to  be  true,  that  Richmond,  the  rebel  capital,  was  also  evacuated 
on  the  same  night. 

About  9  A.  M.,  on  the  3d,  this  brigade,  with  the  division  and  corps, 
commencd  the  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  by  the  Appomattox  River  Road,  in 
the  direction  of  Burkeville  Junction,  Virginia.  The  pursuit  was  con 
tinued  on  the  4th  and  5th.  Just  after  dark  on  the  5th  hist.,  the  brigade 
went  into  position  on  the  left  of  the  corps,  in  two  lines,  facing  Amelia 
Court  House,  near  Jettersville,  Va.,  its  left  connecting  with  the  5th  Army 
Corps.  The  front  line  threw  up  slight  earthworks. 

Early  upon  the  morning  of  the  6th  inst.,  the  brigade,  with  the  corps, 
advanced  toward  Amelia  Court  House,  in  the  vicinity  of  which  it  was 
known  that  the  rebel  army  of  Northern  Virginia  had  been  concentrated. 
The  troops  moved  forward  about  three  miles,  when  information  was  ob 
tained  that  the  rebel  army  had  withdrawn,  and  was  then  moving  around 
the  left  flank  of  our  army  and  in  the  direction  of  Burkeville  Junction. — 
The  troops  were  marched  back  by  way  of  Jettersville,  and  moved  upon 
a  road  which  enabled  the  corps  to  strike  the  enemy's  flank. 

About  3  P.  M.,  of  the  Gth  inst.,  the  corps  came  up  with  General  Sheri 
dan's  cavalry,  which  was  about  one  mile  from  a  road  upon  which  the 
enemy  was  moving.  This  brigade  was.  in  the  advance  of  the  corps.  The 
brigade  sharpshooters  and  122d  Ohio  Regiment  were  rapidly  deployed  as 
skirmishers,  and  the  other  regiments  formed  in  two  lines  in  their  rear. — 
Without  delay,  or  scarcely  a  halt  for  the  formation,  the  whole  brigade 
was  pushed  forward,  as  directed  by  Major-General  Wright,  through 
Brigadier-General  Seymour.  During  the  movement,  I  caused  two  com 
panies  of  the  110th  Ohio  to  deploy  to  the  right  to  protect  that  flank. 

The  enemy  was  moving  troops  and  trains  upon  a  road  which  extended 
parallel  to  our  front.  A  short  distance  from  the  road  upon  which  the 
enemy  was  marching,  a  brisk  skirmish  ensued  between  my  advance  and 
troops  of  the  enemy ;  but  the  road  was  soon  gained,  and  a  considerable 
number  of  prisoners  and  wagons  captured.  The  brigade  struck  the  main 
road  upon  which  the  enemy  was  moving  at  the  junction  with  it  of  a  road 
which  led  oil'  to  the  right,  and  at  right  angles  with  it. 

The  greater  part  of  the  skirmish  line,  110th  Ohio  and  9th  N.  Y.  Heavy 
Artillery,  was  ordered  to  pursue  a  body  of  the  enemy  which  had  re 
treated  on  that  road.  The  enemy  also  had  a  section  of  artillery  upon 
this  road,  from  which  they  tired  shell  and  canister  shot,  but  without  pro 
ducing  much  damage.  The  troops  in  pursuit  soon  compelled  the  artillery 
to  withdraw  from  its  first  position  to  a  second.  Although  the  troops  had 
performed  a  march  of  over  eighteen  miles,  they  eagerly  pressed  forward, 
and  were  in  the  act  of  making  a  second  charge  upon  the  artillery,  when 
orders  were  received,  purporting  to  have  come  from  Major-General 
Sheridan,  to  halt  and  allow  the  cavalry  to  charge.  The  cavalry  charge 
was  not  made.  The  section  of  artillery  was  withdrawn,  but  it  is  be 
lieved  that  it  was  subsequently  captured. 

The  Gth  Maryland,  67th  and  138th  Pennsylvania  Regiments  were  re 
formed  in  line  across  the  main  road  upon  which  the  enemy  had  been 


46 

moving,  and  at  once  recommenced  the  pursuit.  The  rear  guard  of  the 
enemy  was  soon  overtaken  and  attacked.  It  was  vigorously  pressed  for 
about  one  mile,  to  and  across  Sailor's  Creek.  The  enemy  being  cut  off 
from  retreat  by  cavalry,  under  command  of  Major-General  Custar,  was 
forced  to  give  battle,  and  for  that  purpose  formed  his  line  behind  Sailor's 
Creek.  The  divisions  of  Generals  Picketts,  Custis  Lee,  and  also  the 
Marine  Brigade,  commanded  by  Commodore  Tucker,  the  whole  under  the, 
command  of  Lieutenant-General  R.  S.  Ewell,  are  known  to  have  partici 
pated  in  the  battle.  Artillery  was  brought  within  range  of  the  enemy, 
and  opened  a  destructive  fire  upon  him.  The  1st  Brigade,  3d  Division, 
and  the  1st  Division,  (5th  Corps,  were  soon  upon  the  ground,  and  formed 
for  an  attack. 

Although  staff  officers  were  sent  to  withdraw  the  part  of  this  brigade 
that  had  been  sent  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy  upon  the  other  road,  only  a 
portion  arrived  in  time  to  participate  in  the,  final  engagement,  in  conse 
quence  of  the  refusal  of  officers  in  the  2d  Corps,  which  had  then  come 
up  on  our  right,  to  allow  them  to  be  withdrawn  from  their  front.  An 
attack  was  ordered  to  be  made,  by  Major-General  Wright,  commanding 
corps,  with  the  troops  already  upon  the  ground.  A  concentrated  artil 
lery  fire  was  directed  upon  the  enemp's  center,  under  cover  of  which  the 
troops  advanced  through  and  across  the  swamp,  and  at  once  charged  up 
the  steep  hills  upon  which  the  enemy  was  posted.  A  severe  conflict  en 
sued  as  the  lines  of  the  opposing  forces  came  together.  A  number  of 
men  were  bayoneted  on  both  sides.  The  enemy  had  a  heavy  column 
massed  in  rear  of  his  center,  with  which  he  charged  upon  our  troops. — 
Owing  to  the  fact  that  our  troops  could  only  be  fought  in  one  line,  the 
enemy  succeeded  in  breaking  through  the  center  and  gaining  a  momen 
tary  success.  The  troops  on  the  right  and  left  continued  to  advance,  un 
til  the  enemy's  column  in  the  centre  was  enveloped,  cut  to  pieces,  and 
captured.  The  enemy  was  soon  routed  at  all  points,  and  many  general 
officers  and  many  thousands  of  prisoners  threw  down  their  arms  and 
surrendered.* 

The  rebel  marine  brigade  fought  with  most  extraordinary  courage,  but 
was  finally  cut  off  and  captured.  Commodore  Tucker,  Commodore  Hun 
ter,  Captain  Simmes,  and  about  thirty-five  naval  officers,  with  the  brig 
ade,  surrendered  to  me.  It  is  impossible  to  give  the  number  of  prisoners 
captured  by  troops  of  this  brigade.  Two  battle  flags  were  taken  from 
the  enemy  during  the  conflict.  Corporal  John  Keough,  67th  Pennsyl 
vania,  and  Corporal  Trustin  Connell,  138th  Pennsylvania  Volunteers, 
each  captured  battle  flags.  Much  gallantry  'and  many  acts  of  distin 
guished  bravery  were  noticed  during'this  day's  attack.  Unusual  credit  is 
due  the  troops  for  the  vigorous  manner  in  which  they  attacked  the  ene 
my,  considering  the  long  and  tiresome  march  made  on  the  same  day. 

Lieutenant-Colonel  J.  C.  Hill,  commanding  6th  Maryland,  was  cap 
tured  by  the  enemy,  but  soon  after  persuaded  his  captors,  including  a 


*Lieutenant-General  K.  S.  Ewell,  Major-Generals  Kershaw,  Custis  Lee  and 
Pickett ;  also,  Brigadier-Generals  Barton,  Corse  and  Lewis,  were  among  the  offi 
cers  captured  at  Sailor's  Creek. 


47 

number  of  officers  and  men,  to  surrender  to  him  and  come  within  our 
lines. 

During  the  entire  day's  operations,  Colonel  M.  R.  McClennan,  138th 
Pennsylvania  Volunteers,  Brevet  Colonel  O.  H.  Binkley,  HOlh  Ohio, 
Lieutenant-Colonels  C.  M.  Cornyn,  122d  Ohio,  and  James  W.  Snyder,  9th 
X.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  regimental  commanders,  showed  great  skill, 
judgment  and  bravery.  Major  William  G.  Williams,  126th  Ohio,  com 
manding  67th  Pennsylvania,  was  particularly  gallant.  Major  William 
Wood,  9th  X.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery  'while  leading  his  battalion  in  a  charge, 
received  a  dangerous  wound  from  a  canister  shot  in  the  face.  Majors 
Anson  Wood,  S.  B.  Lamereaux,  and  Captains  George  W.  Brinkerhoff, 
Henry  J.  Rhodes  and  Chauncey  Fish,  9th  N.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  and 
Captains  George  P.  Boyer,  110th  Ohio,  Charles  Gibson  and  Moses  D. 
Wheeler,  122d  Ohio,  J.  J.  Bradshaw,  J.  G.  Simpson  and  Charles  Damuth, 
6th  Maryland  Volunteers,  and  Simon  Dickerhoof,  138th  Pennsylvania 
Volunteers,  are  among  the  many  who  did  their  duty  nobly.  Captain 
Harrison  D.  Yarmett,  122d  Ohio,  commanding  brigade  sharpshooters, 
handled  his  men  as  skirmishers  with  great  skill  and  success.  Captain 
W.  L.  Shaw,  110th  Ohio,  A.  A.  A.  G.  of  this  brigade,  Captains  J.  P.  Dud- 
row,  122d  Ohio,  J.  W.  Jewhurst,  9th  X.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery,  W.  H.  Aber- 
crombie,  6th  Maryland,  and  Lieutenant  R.  W.  Cook,  138th  Pennsylvania, 
Acting  Aide-de-Camps,  serving  upon  brigade  staff,  were  particularly 
active,  efficient  and  brave.  Captain  T.  J.  Hoskinson,  Commissary  of 
Subsistence  of  this  brigade,  was  conspicuous  for  gallantry  upon  the 
field.  Privates  Richard  Netz,  126th  Ohio,  and  George  Ickes,  138th  Penn 
sylvania,  mounted  orderlies,  accompanied  me  with  the  advance  of  the 
troops  in  the  field  attack,  the  former  carrying  the  brigade  flag.  Their 
most  commendable  conduct  should  not  be  forgotten. 

The  troops  were  moved  from  the  scene  of  the  battle  after  dark  toward 
Rice's  Station,  and  bivouaced  for  the  night  about  two  and  one  half  miles 
from  the  battle  ground,  and  about  three  miles  from  Rice's  Station.  The 
remnant  of  the  rebel  army  retreated,  via  Farmville,  across  the  Appo- 
mattox  River  toward  Appomattox  Court  House,  Virginia,  and  was  closely 
pursued.  This  brigade,  with  the  division  and  corps,  crossed  the  river  at 
Farmville  about  10  P.  M.  of  the  7th,  and  bivouaced  for  the  night. 

The  enemy  was  closely  followed  on  the  8th  and  9th  of  April  until 
about  2  P.  M.  of  the  9th  inst.,  when  the  troops  halted  about  six  miles 
from  Appomattox  Court  House ;  and  were  soon  informed  that  General 
R.  E.  Lee  had  surrendered  the  Army  of  Northern  Virginia.  The  rebel 
army  was  then  in  our  immediate  front,  and  not  to  exceed  five  miles  from 
Appomattox  Court  House.  The  wildest  enthusiafm  prevailed  among 
the  troops  upon  being  informed  of  the  surrender. 

Early  on  the  morning  of  the  llth  inst.,  the  brigade,  with  the  corps, 
commenced  the  march  to  this^  place,  where  it  arrived  on  the  13th  inst., 
and  went  into  camp. 

The  126th  tfhio.  Colonel  B.  F.  Smith  commanding,  was  detached  from 
the  brigade  on  the  night  of  April  5th,  to  guard  prisoners,  and  did  not  rejoin 
the  brigade  until  April  15th,  1865. 


48 

Detailed  reports  of  the  operations  of  regiments  are  herewith  trans 
mitted. 

My  orders  were  received  from  and  through  Brigadier-General  T.  Sey 
mour,  Commanding  Division,  to  whom  I  beg  here  to  tender  my  thanks 
for  his  u*2  form  courtesy  to  me. 

The  once  defiant  re  Del  army  of  Northern  Virginia  being  utterly  van 
quished,  the  troops  are  in  the  highest  possible  spirits  at  the  prospect  of 
an  early  and  general  peace  in  our  country. 

I  am,  Major,  with  high  esteem,  your  most  obedient  and  humble  ser 
vant, 

J.  WARREN  KEIFER, 
Brevet  Brigadier-General.  ComcFg. 
Brevet  Major  O.  V.  TRACY, 

A.  A.  A.  Gen.,  3d  Division,  Gth  A.  C. 


The  brigade  remained  at  Burkeville  Junction  until  the  morning  of 
April  23d,  1865,  when,  with  the  Gth  Corps,  it  commenced  a  forced  march 
toward  Danville,  under  orders,  said  to  have  emanated  from  General  Hal- 
leek's  headquarters,  "  to  push  through  as  rapidly  as  possible  for  the  pur 
pose  of  assisting  in  the  capture  of  General  J.  E.  Johnston's  army."'  The 
corps  arrived  at  Danville  on  the  27th,  and  halted,  Generel  Johnston's 
army  having  surrendered  to  General  Sherman,  on  the  26th,  at  Greens- 
borough,  North  Carolina. 

The  brigade  remained  at  Danville  until  May  16tfi,  at  which  time  it 
moved  by  railroad  to  Richmond,  Va.,  and  on  the  24th  of  May,  was  re 
viewed,  with  the  corps,  in  Richmond,  and  at  once  commenced  the  march 
for  Washington,  D.  C.  The  corps  arrived  at  Ball's  Cross  Roads,  four 
miles  from  Washington,  on  the  Virginia  side  of  the  Potomac,  the  after 
noon  of  the  3d  of  June,  having  marched  through  Hanover  Court  House, 
Fredericksburg,  &c. 

The  corps  camped  at  Ball's  Cross  Roads  until  its  organization  was 
broken  up.  It  was  reviewed  June  8th,  in  the  streets  of  Washington,  by 
the  President,  General  Grant,  and  others  high  in  authority. 

The  brigade  was  mustered  out  by  regiments,  in  the  month  of  June, 
except  the  9th  N.  Y.  Heavy  Artillery  and  67th  Pennsylvania  Infantry. — 
The  former  was  transferred  to  the  defenses  of  Washington,  but  was  mus 
tered  out  in  July  following.  The  67th,  being  a  veteran  regiment,  was 
retained. 

The  troops  of  the  110th,  122d  and  126th  Ohio  Infantry  Regiments  were 
mnstered  out  June  25th,  A.  D.,  1865,  at  Washington,  and  at  once  shipped 
by  railroad  transportation  to  Columbus,  Ohio,  where  they  wore  paid 
discharged,  and  each  man  sent  to  his  respective  home. 


49 


Farewell  Order, 

HK.VDQ'KS  2D  BRIG..  3o  Div.,  GTH  CORPS.  ARMY  OF  POTOMAC,) 

CAMP  NEAR  WASHINGTON,  D.  C.,        > 

June  15th.  A.  D.,  1865.    ) 

GENERAL  ORDERS  NO.  28. 
OFFICERS  AND  SOLDIERS  :     This  command  will  soon  be  broken  up  in 

its  orguni/ation.  It  is  sincerely  hoped  that  each  man  may  soon  be  per 
mitted  to  return  to  his  home,  family  and  friends,  to  enjoy  their  blessings 
and  that  of  a  peaceful,  free  and  happy  people. 

The  great  length  of  time  I  have  had  the  honor  to  command  you,  has 
led  to  no  ordinary  attachment.  The  many  hardships,  trials  and  dangers 
\ve  have  shared  together,  and  the  distinguished  services  you  have  per 
formed  in  camp,  on  the  march,  and  upon  the  field  of  battle,  have  long 
since  endeared  me  to  you.  I  shall  ever  be  proud  to  have  been  your 
commander,  and  will  cherish  a  lasting  recollection  of  both  officers  and 
men.  Your  efficient  services  and  gallant  conduct  in  behalf  of  human 
rights  and  human  freedom,  will  not  be  overlooked  and  forgotten  by  a 
grateful  country. 

F  cannot  repress  the  deepest  feelings  of  sadness  upon  parting  with 
you. 

1  mourn  with  you,  and  share  in  your  sorrow,  for  the  many  brave 
comrades  who  have  fallen  in  battle  and  have  been  stricken  down  with 
disease.  Let  us  revere  their  memories  and  emulate  their  noble  character 
and  goodness.  A  proud  and  great  nation  will  not  neglect  their  afflicted 
families.  The  many  disabled  officers  and  soldiers  will  also  be  cared  for 
by  a  grateful  people  and  an  affluent  country. 

You  have  a  proud  name  as  soldiers:  and  L  trust  that,  at  your  homes, 
you  will  so  conduct  yourselves  that  you  will  be  honored  and  respected 
as  good  citizens. 

I  shall  part  with  you  entertaining  the  s'mcerest  feelings  of  affection 
and  kindness  for  all.  hoping  that  it  may  be  my  good  fortune  to  meet  and 
greet  you  in  future  as  honored  citizens  and  friends. 

J.  WARREX  KKIFER. 


50 


Summary  of  Casualties  by  Regiments  in  the  2d  Brigade,  3d  Division 
while  serving  in  the  3d  arid  6th  Army  Corps. 


KILLED. 

WOUNDED. 

TOTAL. 

.   t 

. 

:     A      - 

I        * 

g 

£ 

o 

5 

o 

1         -          IC 
5                    §[- 

10th  Ohio  Infantry.  

10     102 

i 

is 

443 

i 
28         545     57 

122cl  Ohio  Infant ly 


12Gth  Ohio  Infantrv 


6th  Maryland  Infantry. ..'. 


138th  Pennsylvania  Infantiy 


67th  Pennsylvania  Infantry 


(>th  X.  Y.  Heavv  Artillery 


Total 


92       17         432     24         524     5 


9 

111 

10 

379  19 

490 

50!) 

I 

i 

7 

103 

21 

213  28 

316 

344 

! 

5 

120   10 

223  21 

343 

364 

[ 

; 

2 

90 

3 

130  !   5 

220 

224 

i 

14 

204 

16 

•  i 

590;  30 

i 
794 

m 

1  1 

,; 

!  54 

812  i  101 

1  2  410'-  155 

!  3  232  3  387 

THIS  BOOK  IS  DUE  ON  THE  LAST  DATE 
STAMPED  BELOW 

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WILL  INCREASE  TO  5O  CENTS  ON  THE  FOURTH 
DAY  AND  TO  $1.OO  ON  THE  SEVENTH  DAY 
OVERDUE. 


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